After first-degree murder conviction, man flashes Crips gang sign in court

Prosecutors said a gang member found guilty of killing an East Knoxville man over a drug debt flashed a Crips gang sign as he was escorted out of court.

Over the span of a three-day trial, prosecutors explained how Ricky Allen Davis Jr., 32, killed John Kyle. They told the jury that David texted Kyle on Jan. 4, 2016, to figure out where he was at. Kyle and Davis met in front of a house on Wilson Avenue, and after a brief conversation, Davis shot Kyle five times. Kyle suffered gunshot wounds in the stomach, leg and hand, and a friend drove him to the hospital where he later died.

An investigator with the Knoxville Police Department collected data from cell phones, interviewed witnesses and gathered surveillance video that caught the shooting on camera.

“Gang members will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and can expect to face lengthy prison sentences,” District Attorney General Charme Allen said. “The community is safer because of the work of the investigators and prosecutors in this case.”

Allen said Davis was convicted of first degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. The conviction came with an mandatory life sentence, but Davis will have the possibility of parole after serving 51 years in prison. Judge Bob McGee set a March 29 date for sentencing on the weapons charge, which carries a punishment of six to 10 years.

Prosecutors said they plan to use seek an enhanced sentencing based on Davis's gang affiliation and his prior convictions on aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon charges.