Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictment of Lavontez Davis (DOB 9/24/99) for the murder of Jason McKinnon.

Davis was indicted for two counts of Murder (SF), one count of Felonious Assault (F2) and one count of Strangulation (F2). If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum possible sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years.

On October 4, 2023, the victim, Jason McKinnon and his wife were walking near Vine and 14th Streets in OTR after attending an FC Cincinnati match. As the couple walked down the sidewalk, they passed a vehicle that appeared to be turning the wrong way down a one-way street. A verbal altercation ensued between the victim and the female driver of the vehicle.

While arguing with the driver, Davis, who was with the female driver, ran up to the victim and punched him in the face and placed the victim in a chokehold. The female driver had not left her vehicle prior to Davis attacking the victim. Davis held the chokehold until the victim lost consciousness. Numerous witnesses pleaded with Davis to stop throughout the entire incident.

Davis and the female driver fled the scene prior to police arriving.

The victim succumbed to his injuries on October 8, 2023. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office determined the victim’s cause of death to be homicide by means of neck compression.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “The brutal killing of an innocent man sends shockwaves throughout our community shattering our sense of security in OTR. People will not come to enjoy everything this city has to offer if they can’t get home without being attacked.

There are people walking among us who will hurt you. There is no rehabilitating someone who will strangle the life out of a complete stranger over a stupid argument. He needs to spend the rest of his life in prison.”