Judge enters innocent pleas for Davis at arraignment


February 1, 2008 at 7:02p.m.

Judge enters innocent pleas for Davis at arraignment

YOUNGSTOWN — Following his lawyer’s instructions, Michael A. Davis stood silently before the judge during his arraignment on aggravated murder and aggravated arson charges.

Citing his “serious concerns” about Davis’ competency, defense lawyer Martin E. Yavorcik said he told Davis to enter no plea and make no statement today.

Judge Timothy E. Franken of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court then entered innocent pleas for Davis on all 29 counts in Thursday’s county grand jury indictment.

Davis, 18, of Bennington Avenue, faces the death penalty in the Jan. 23 house fire at 1645 Stewart Ave., which killed six people, including four children. Authorities are calling the blaze the largest mass murder in the city’s history.

Six sheriff’s deputies guarded the courtroom during the arraignment.

For the complete story, see Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.