Davis charged with murder, held without bond

Perry Davis
Perry Davis

A local circuit judge ordered today that Perry Dennis Davis Jr. be held without bond on murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the August shooting death of his wife.

Davis, 49, appeared Friday morning before Circuit Judge Robin Green. Bentonville police went Thursday night to a Springdale hospital to arrest Davis for capital murder and kidnapping.

Davis is accused of killing his 44-year-old wife, Kelly, according to court documents. Police believe Davis shot himself after shooting and killing his wife. Police were called to the couple’s home at 804 S.W. Ouachita Drive in Bentonville at 5:21 p.m. Aug. 19 in connection with a domestic disturbance.

Kelly Davis’ body was found in the home after police entered almost five hours after her 911 call. Police entered the home after Perry Davis called 911, claiming he’d been shot and needed assistance.

The judge found that probable cause exists to hold Davis on the murder and kidnapping charge. Green agreed with a request from Benton County Prosecutor Van Stone to hold Davis without bond.

Court documents related to a guardianship issue for Davis claim Davis is blind and sufferers from retrograde amnesia because of the self-inflicted head wound.

Davis was represented at the hearing by Fayetteville attorney Ray Niblock. The judge had Niblock read line by line of the affidavit to make sure that Davis is aware of the allegations against him.

“I am defending this tragic event until arraignment to learn what happened,” Fayetteville attorney Ray Niblock said. “The process will sort things out. Perry is presumed innocent.”

Davis' arraignment is set for 8:30 a.m. Dec. 17 in Green's court.

Upcoming Events