Trial begins for man accused of Dayton jazz club double murder

The trial for a man accused of the murder of two people outside Rick’s Jazz Club is scheduled to begin today.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged in deadly double shooting outside Dayton jazz club

James Davison, 25, of Miamisburg, was indicted on:

  • One count of Aggravated Murder
  • One count of murder
  • Two counts of Felonious Assault
  • One count of Discharge of a Firearm At or Near Prohibited Premises
  • One count of Improper Handling of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
  • One count of Tampering With Evidence

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bond set for Miamisburg man indicted in Dayton double homicide

Each of these charges except for improper handling of a firearm and tampering with evidence include 3- and 5-year firearm specifications because Davison is accused of firing the shots from a vehicle.

These charges stem from an incident from April 21, 2018 where prosecutors said Davison pulled his SUV up beside a pickup truck in front of Rick’s Jazz Club on Lakeview Drive, and fired around 15-20 shots from a .40 caliber handgun into the truck.

The driver, later identified as Darion L. Harris, 29, and front passenger Ashley M. James, 28, both of Dayton were killed. Two people in the back seat of the truck were uninjured.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Double shooting victims in Dayton leave behind newborn boy, family says

Police identified Davison using the club’s surveillance video, and eventually found the SUV in Erie County, Ohio, at a relative’s home. Davison was taken into custody without incident.

Davison pleaded not guilty to the charges, and is currently in the Montgomery County Jail on a $1 million bond.

About the Author