Paternal grandmother given visitation rights

The toddler lost his mother to death and his father to prison.

GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

CANTON — A hug. It can be a sign of affection, a moment of support and comfort. Or it can simply symbolize a step forward and some hope for a little boy. Such an embrace took place Tuesday after a hearing in Stark County Family Court. That is where Judge Michael L. Howard awarded visitation rights to the paternal grandmother of 3-year-old Blake Davis.

Howard said Renee Jones, the mother of former Canton police officer Bobby L. Cutts Jr., can see her grandson twice each month with supervision. Each visit can last up to 90 minutes. And Jones can participate in Blake’s therapy.

Cutts is serving a life term in a state prison for the murders of Blake’s mother, Jessie M. Davis, and his unborn sister, Chloe. They died June 14. Davis’ mother, Patty Porter, has custody of the boy.

After the hearing, Porter and Jones shared a long hug in court. Davis’ sister Whitney and Cutts’ sister Devonna were present. The atmosphere of this hearing was in stark contrast to last month’s high-profile criminal trial. No TV cameras. No jury. Only nine people, including the judge and bailiff, in a small room. Jones had not seen her grandson since June.

“She’s happy to begin the process,” said Jones’ attorney Arnie Glantz. Jones declined to comment. Howard told the grandmothers that it was important they get along because Blake’s development “is potentially very fragile” without their help. A deal was reached with both sides.

Part of the visitation agreement allows Blake’s two half sisters to spend time with him but no other adults. “Blake is a highly traumatized child who suffered the loss of both parents at a very crucial developmental age,” said Porter’s attorney, Holly Davies.

Davies said Blake’s psychologist, Robin Tener, whom he sees weekly, encouraged the participation of both grandmothers in the boy’s life. Gradually, Davies said, Tener plans to explain or help the grandmothers explain the situation to the boy.

A court review of the visitation rights will follow May 13.

“I think this is a good starting point for everyone,” Porter said after the hearing. This situation is in “the best interest of Blake.”

Porter said Blake will not get a chance to visit his father in prison until he is older. Glantz said after the May review, his client hopes she’ll earn more visitation opportunities. Tuesday was “the first step,” he said.