Ex-NFL Player Cierre Wood Sentenced to Life for Brutal Murder of Girlfriend's 5-Year-Old Daughter
August 14, 2024Cierre Wood, a former NFL running back, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend's five-year-old daughter, La’Rayah Davis, in Las Vegas.
He received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 10 years for the murder charge and an additional 28 months to six years for child abuse, to be served consecutively.
La’Rayah Davis died in April 2019 with over 100 bruises, 20 broken ribs, and a liver laceration, which authorities believe was fatal.
At the time of the incident, Wood was in a relationship with La’Rayah's mother, Amy Taylor, who also faced charges related to the child's death.
Amy Taylor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse, admitting to sitting on La’Rayah during discipline.
Investigations revealed that La’Rayah suffered extensive mental and physical abuse, including being forced to perform intense workouts as punishment.
Wood claimed he was trying to help La’Rayah get on the 'right path' due to her being 'chunky', which he used to justify the abuse.
Initially, Wood claimed La’Rayah hit her head after falling backwards, but emergency responders found her body cold and stiff upon arrival.
An autopsy revealed multiple contusions on Davis's skull, indicating severe physical abuse.
Wood entered an Alford plea, allowing him to maintain his innocence while admitting guilt in a formal manner.
In July, Taylor was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder charge and received an additional 8 to 20 years for child abuse.
Wood pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, receiving the possibility of parole after 10 years for the murder charge.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources
The Guardian • Aug 14, 2024
Former NFL player Cierre Wood given life sentence in murder of five-year-oldNBC News • Aug 14, 2024
Ex-NFL player gets prison time in death of 5-year-old girl in Las VegasABC News • Aug 14, 2024
Ex-NFL player gets prison time in death of 5-year-old girl in Las Vegas