MENDOCINO Co., 5/11/18 – Steven Ryan was convicted of manslaughter in the killing of De’Shaun Davis today, in Mendocino Superior Court. The jury deliberated about a day and a half and returned the verdict this afternoon. The jury declined to convict Ryan, 63 of Ukiah, of murder in the first degree, or murder in the second, but found him guilty of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. The trial last only four days, and was presided over by judge John Behnke, and prosecuted by District Attorney David Eyster.
On Nov. 21, 2016, 20 year old De’Shaun Davis was rummaging through a dumpster near, but not next to, Ryan’s home, which he rented. Ryan exited his house, and after a brief verbal confrontation killed Davis. Ryan shot three times and hit Davis twice, at a distance of about 65 feet, with a handgun. Davis never came closer that 63 feet to Ryan, during the shooting. After the first shot, Davis sank to his knees, after which Ryan proceeded shoot twice more.
When the police arrived Ryan claimed self-defense.
The charge for which he has been convicted carries a potential sentence of up to 21 years. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 15, at 9 a.m. at the Ukiah courthouse, and is open to the public.
Da’shawn was my nephew and even though the conviction may carry 21 yrs. It sickens me to know it’s not murder wen u shoot an unarmed youngman.. RIP D’ .LUV AND MISS U VERY MUCH .. ???..AUNTIE TONNETTA..
I agree T.
LOVE YOU GIRL
Agreed. It should have been a murder charge. Briefly knowing De’Shaun it was clear (he told me stories) of how much his family loved and cared for him. Nobody deserved this loss 🙏🏻
Remembering DeShaun this week, worked on local farms then found himself homeless while black, an incredibly dangerous thing to be in rural racist America. We like to think this kind of violence or hate doesn’t exist here but it does, it exists in all of us whether we openly acknowledge it or it hides below the surface.
Ruthie. Thank you for your comment, I connected De’Shaun to Tim’s farm where we both found respite for a period of time. I remember him frequently, he taught me to be a much better person. Something about how to act right, because the risks he faced were NOT lost on him 💔 I’m grateful and sorrowful for his family. We are all missing out on this gem right shining soul of a human.
Its been 5 years since the loss of DeShaun this young man was full of life he brought a smile to anybodys face that knew him. He will be forever missed but never forgotten. RIP till we meet again. Luv you.
Almost ten years on now—never forgotten and sorely missed 💔