Detectives and friends of Davis still seeking justice

MOUNT VERNON — With the investigation into last year’s only homicide in Knox County having entered its second month without a break in the case, detectives and the friends and family of the victim are hoping someone will come forward with information which will bring Jean Davis’ killer, or killers, to justice.

Pastor Bob Pelfrey, who was Davis’ minister and friend for nearly 40 years, said her church family is still trying to find its way through its grief.

“It sinks in even more with each event where Jean was involved and is now not there,” Pelfrey said Thursday.

He said several of his members have come to him to remark on how much Davis’ regular, dynamic presence is missed.

“One member just told me he can still see Jean in his mind’s eye with her guitar, leading singing,” Pelfrey said. “She was so very much a part of the worship team.”

The congregation has pulled together to comfort each other, ever since its service was interrupted Dec. 20 with the news that Davis had been found murdered outside her home on Dennis Church Road.

The moment that forever changed his church family is still a vivid memory for Pelfrey.

“There was a lady who came up to sing, and it was this beautiful song,” he recalled. “And then I was called out of the service. I had to go back in and tell people.”

Pelfrey said he is glad his church family was together when it received the news, which he said stunned everyone.

“I think the horror of it that it happened on a Sunday was also a blessing because we were there to console each other,” he said. “I think that was better than finding out on the six o’clock news.”

As the weeks have passed, the hope that Davis’ killer would be caught and brought swiftly to justice has changed to hope that the killer will be identified.

“It’s the unresolved thing, that you just want so much to see this thing come to an end, and have justice served,” Pelfrey said.

Knox County Sheriff David Barber said investigators continue to work diligently to find Davis’ killer.

However, he said, detectives need anyone in the community who may have information who has not yet stepped forward, to do so.

“We understand that in a homicide or death investigation particularly, some people may be reluctant to share information with law enforcement for a variety of reasons, for instance out of fear or embarrassment,” Barber said.

He said he hopes there is someone in the community who will step forward with the information which will solve the case.

“Every tip will be given prompt and serious attention,” Barber said. “We’re encouraging anyone to call and share what they know.”

Pelfrey said he has been frustrated when his repeated calls to the sheriff’s office have turned up no new information about progress in the case. He said he understands that investigators must keep details of the case under wraps to protect the investigation. But, he said, that does not bring any comfort when people are growing desperate for resolution.

“I know that everyone’s doing all they can do, I just pray for some kind of closure here,” he said.

case. He said he understands that investigators must keep details of the case under wraps to protect the investigation. But, he said, that does not bring any comfort when people are growing desperate for resolution.

“I know that everyone’s doing all they can do, I just pray for some kind of closure here,” he said.

He said the uneasy feeling many in the community share about safety while Davis’ killer remains free is another kind of pain people have carried since the murder.

“There’s still a real edginess in the community that’s not going away anytime soon,” Pelfrey said.

He said one of his elderly parishioners recently installed a security system as a result of the homicide.

Pelfrey said the fact that some in the community are arming themselves as a result of the homicide and recent burglaries makes him uneasy.

“I’m afraid someone’s going to get hurt,” he said.

Pelfrey said the apprehension of Davis’ killer would bring some healing to the community.

“At least then we would have some answers and understand who did it and why they did it,” he said.

Pelfrey said he believes seeing the justice system work will help him move on.

“I want to sit in the trial and hear the explanation for my own peace of mind,” he said.

He said community members are praying for the investigators working on the homicide investigation.

“Our confidence is that the police will catch them,” Pelfrey said. “We just need some closure.”

Until that happens, members of Davis’ church, her family and close friends will continue to find comfort in their faith and each other, said Pelfrey.

“It’s like anything else in life, you have to go on, and that’s what we’re doing, but we’re desperate to see somebody caught,” he said. “Jean was an unforgettable, unique, one-of-a-kind person. I tell people don’t forget, and pray for justice to prevail.”