Washoe County Man Sentenced to Same Term in Prison after Retrial

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks Announces Sentencing of Washoe County Man after Retrial.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office announced today the sentencing of a Washoe County man to life in prison after being convicted of murder a second time in a retrial of the charge.

Robert Geoffrey Davis, 52 (DOB 5/30/63) , from Washoe County, was sentenced Wednesday on one count of First Degree Murder with the Use of a Deadly Weapon to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 20 years. An additional term for the deadly weapon enhancement of 5 years with parole after 2 years was set to run consecutive to the life sentence. Davis was found guilty on September 18, 2015 after a week long jury trial in District Court.  He was previously found guilty of the same charge in District Court in June of 2012.  The case was appealed by the defense to the Nevada State Supreme Court to consider the exclusion of certain statements made by the defendant.  That appeal was granted and the case was returned to District Court where it was re-tried and Davis was found guilty again.

The case began on September 9, 2011, when the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic dispute between Davis and his younger brother Mathew Garrett Davis (DOB 5/24/68). The incident took place at the brothers’ Mogul property, which consisted of adjoining residences. Law enforcement initially separated the brothers due to Matthew Garrett Davis’ erratic and threatening behavior which stemmed from mental health issues.  Robert Davis later returned to the residence in the early morning hours of September 10, 2011, intoxicated, and confronted the victim.  During that confrontation, Davis shot his brother with a shotgun and fled the area.  An investigation followed and Davis was subsequently charged with murder. 

Davis will not be eligible for parole until he has served a minimum of 22 years in prison.