43
Testimony centers on Michael Davis’ IQ
Gallery
YOUNGSTOWN — Jurors in the death penalty phase of a arsonist who killed six people heard from a clinical psychologist hired by the defense who testified about his low intelligence.
Dr. Sandra McPherson of Beechwood testified in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court that 18-year-old Michael A. Davis has an IQ of 75, noting that 95 percent of the population scores higher. She said an IQ of 100 is considered the normal range.
Davis was convicted last week of aggravated murder and aggravated arson. On Jan. 23, two women and four children died in their house after he ignited a couch on the front porch.
Jurors who found Davis guilty returned to court today for the penalty phase. The panel could vote that he die for what he did.