In this chilling episode of the Your Town Podcast, we dive into the haunting and still-unsolved murder of Morris Davis Jr., a pizza delivery driver whose life was tragically cut short in Great Falls, Montana, in 1985. This case has remained a cold case for decades, and we explore the details of the crime, the investigation, and the lingering questions that still puzzle the community today. We also discuss how the murder has impacted the town and the ongoing quest for justice.
The Tragic Story of Morris Davis Jr.
Morris Davis Jr., a well-liked and respected member of his community, was just 20 years old when he was gunned down while making a pizza delivery in Great Falls, Montana, on the night of March 27, 1985. What should have been a routine delivery quickly turned into a tragic crime scene when Davis was shot nine times in a seemingly random attack.
Morris had been working at a local pizza shop and was well-known for his friendly demeanor and hard work. That night, he was delivering pizza to a house on 5th Avenue North, a quiet street that had no history of violent crime. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him walk up to the porch, but shortly after, they heard gunshots. Morris Davis Jr. was found dead, his life stolen in the blink of an eye.
Investigating the Murder: A Cold Case
The investigation into the murder of Morris Davis Jr. began immediately, but despite efforts by law enforcement, the case quickly turned into a cold case. Investigators initially speculated that the motive could have been a robbery gone wrong. It was unclear whether the gunman targeted Davis specifically or if he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No money or valuables were taken, and the mystery deepened.
One of the most chilling aspects of this case was the use of a .22 caliber pistol—a weapon that seemed too small for a robbery. There were no clear witnesses who could provide definitive details about the shooter, but one key observation came from those who had seen Davis on the porch moments before he was shot. A few people recalled hearing him speak to someone at the door, but the details were too vague to form a solid lead.
The Pawn Shop Connection and Donald Debray
The case seemed to stall over the years, but in 1988, three years after the murder, a breakthrough emerged. Investigators discovered a connection between the murder weapon and a pawn shop. A pawn shop receipt surfaced that appeared to link Donald Debray, a man with a known criminal history, to the crime.
However, Debray was never formally charged, and the investigation faltered once again. The case was eventually closed, and for years, the town of Great Falls was left with more questions than answers.
Community Impact: A Town Seeking Justice
The murder of Morris Davis Jr. has left a lasting scar on the Great Falls community. For years, the town has lived with the uncertainty of an unsolved crime, and the impact of the murder continues to be felt. Local residents, many of whom knew Morris and his family, are still haunted by the tragedy. His death shattered the sense of security in a tight-knit community that had never experienced such a violent crime.
The podcast hosts emphasize the ongoing need for justice and the importance of the community coming together to seek answers. While the case may have grown cold, the desire for closure remains strong. Morris Davis Jr.'s family, friends, and the citizens of Great Falls continue to hope for a breakthrough.
Modern Forensics and the Pursuit of Justice
With advances in forensic technology and criminal investigations, there’s hope that cold cases like this one can be solved. The Your Town Podcast highlights the potential for new forensic techniques to reopen old cases, such as DNA testing and advanced ballistics analysis. New leads or technology could provide the breakthrough needed to bring justice to Morris Davis Jr. and his family.
As time passes, it becomes increasingly crucial for the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small. Could someone remember a detail they didn’t think was important? Could new DNA evidence be uncovered that links a suspect to the crime? The hosts of the Your Town Podcast stress the importance of not forgetting these cases and the power of community-driven investigations.
Takeaways from This True Crime Story
- Morris Davis Jr. was a well-liked pizza delivery driver who was tragically shot nine times during a delivery in 1985.
- The case remains an unsolved murder, with the investigation turning cold over time.
- Investigators initially suspected a robbery gone wrong, but no valuables were taken.
- The murder weapon was identified as a .22 caliber pistol, which became a key clue.
- A pawn shop connection surfaced years later, potentially linking Donald Debray to the crime, but no charges were filed.
- The murder continues to have a profound impact on the Great Falls community, with residents still seeking justice for Morris Davis Jr..
- Cold cases like this one highlight the growing need for modern forensic techniques and public involvement in crime investigations.
Conclusion
The tragic and still-unsolved murder of Morris Davis Jr. remains one of Great Falls' most haunting mysteries. As we continue to reflect on this case, the importance of justice, the community’s role in seeking closure, and the potential for breakthroughs through modern forensics are critical points of focus. If you have any information about the murder of Morris Davis Jr., no matter how small, authorities urge you to come forward and help bring justice to a case that has left a town grieving for decades.
Tune in to the latest episode of the Your Town Podcast for more in-depth coverage of this heartbreaking case, and let’s continue to keep the hope alive for Morris Davis Jr. and his loved ones.