Prosecutors file murder charges in Jefferson City shooting case
Madison Stuerman
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson said Tuesday two victims in a Jefferson City shooting have died.
Thompson said in a news release that charges against Michael A. Davis, 40, of Jefferson City, will be upgraded from assault and domestic assault to first-degree murder.
“The number of shots or stab wounds or something like that could be indicative of maybe some reflection, or the ability to reflect, and therefore first-degree versus second-degree,” Thompson said in an interview with ABC 17 News.
Davis is accused of shooting and killing Shawna Davis, 39, and Sofie Mulcahey, 31, both of Jefferson City. A vigil was held Friday for Mulcahey.
The probable cause statement says Jefferson City police were investigating a crash in the 1800 block of Highway 50/63 East when they heard multiple shots being fired. Shawna Davis and Mulcahey were found in the 1100 Block of Cordell st. with life-threatening injuries in a vehicle in a wooded area.
Thompson said in a release that both were taken to University Hospital, where they died.
A first-degree murder conviction could result in either the death penalty or life in prison for Davis.
In a statement to ABC 17 News, Tanya Bohlkin, Mulcahey’s aunt, said her family is grateful the prosecutor’s office upgraded the charges to allow for the most serious conviction available.
Megan Stone, Mulcahey’s best friend, told ABC 17 News she hopes the state pursues the death penalty.
“He’s a coward and I hope he’s reminded of every single day,” Stone said of Michael Davis. “She went to go save her friend and he shot 30 rounds into her car.”
Police found roughly 30 shell casings following the shooting in the 900 block of Harding Street, and Davis was detained shortly after, the statement says. Stone said she grew up with Mulcahey in Harrisburg and that they met in kindergarten.
“Twenty-six years together,” Stone said. “She was my very, very, very best friend and I hope everybody gets a best friend like her.”
She said Mulcahey was trying to help Davis get away from a domestic violence situation.
“I urge everybody, every woman in that situation, to just leave because no man who loves you would ever, it’s just not worth it,” Stone said. “Sofie just went to go get her friend and didn’t come home.”
Thompson said the state has not officially decided whether it will pursue the death penalty. He explained what could make a case qualify.
“Whether it was multiple victims, whether others were placed in danger of being killed,” Thompson said. “Things like if the person had a history of violent offenses or a prior murder conviction.”
Michael Davis is also charged with one count of felony unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action.
Michael Davis has an arraignment for the new charges scheduled for Friday.