In a chilling statement after his arrest, 34-year-old Kurt James Davis, a suspect in the brutal murder of 80-year-old Susan Williams, claimed that he killed her to “keep the peace.” This unsettling remark came as law enforcement continues its investigation into the circumstances of her death.
Early on Wednesday, officers responded to a 911 call on Yellow Mountain Road SE in Roanoke, where they discovered Williams’ lifeless body outside her apartment complex, showing severe facial injuries. She was declared dead at the scene. Investigators later found Davis nearby, covered in blood, and he allegedly confessed to the crime, admitting to striking Williams multiple times with a rock.
When questioned, Davis explained that his motive was to “keep the peace.” Investigators, however, have yet to clarify the meaning behind his cryptic statement. The attack reportedly took place in the hallway of Williams’ apartment building, where Davis is said to have confronted and killed her.
Davis initially faced second-degree murder charges, but Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell has pushed to elevate the charge to first-degree murder. “Charging second-degree murder allows us to move forward with a first-degree charge without waiting for a preliminary hearing,” Caldwell stated, underscoring the speed of the investigation.
The case has shaken the local community, and many are questioning how Davis, who has a lengthy criminal history involving arson, burglary, and assault, was allowed to remain free. Davis had previously served time for a 2017 arson conviction related to a Little Caesars restaurant. After completing his sentence, he was released on supervision. However, Caldwell emphasized that, under Virginia law, Davis had paid his debt to society, as there was no legal reason for continued incarceration.
Despite this, Caldwell acknowledged growing concerns about repeat offenders slipping through the cracks in the criminal justice system. “There may be a need for reform to address repeat offenders more effectively,” Caldwell added, stressing the need for stronger laws to ensure public safety.
Davis remains in jail, awaiting legal proceedings, with a possible indictment for first-degree murder by the March grand jury. Authorities have indicated that he did not have a fixed address and was not known to Williams prior to the incident.
This tragic case has sparked renewed debates about criminal justice reform, the risks posed by repeat offenders, and how the system can balance fairness with public safety.
