Tragic Death of La’Rayah Davis Shakes Community
Cierre Wood, a former National Football League (NFL) player, has been sentenced to 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of a 5-year-old girl, La’Rayah Davis. The tragic case has brought to light the harrowing abuse the child endured, including being forced to exercise as punishment for her weight, referred to as “chunky.”
According to NBC Sports, La’Rayah Davis died in April 2019 after being rushed to a hospital with severe injuries. A medical examination revealed at least 100 bruises, 20 broken ribs, and a laceration to her liver, which authorities determined was the cause of her death.
Wood, who was in a relationship with La’Rayah’s mother, Amy Taylor, at the time, was arrested and charged with murder earlier this week. Taylor also faced charges, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse as part of a deal with prosecutors.
Disturbing details emerge
The investigation into La’Rayah’s death uncovered chilling details of the abuse she suffered. Taylor reportedly admitted to police that she would sit on the child as a form of discipline. Wood, on the other hand, claimed that La’Rayah had fallen backward and hit her head while performing sit-ups.
An arrest warrant revealed that Wood would “make her run sprints in the apartment, do sit-ups and do wall squats.” He told police he was “trying to get her on the right path due to her being chunky.” On the day of her death, Wood stated that he made La’Rayah do sit-ups because she had not learned her letters and numbers.
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Wood’s attorney argued that Amy Taylor was the primary abuser and that Wood was not present during the incidents of abuse. Despite this defense, Taylor was sentenced in July to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the murder charge and an additional eight to 20 years for child abuse.
Wood entered an Alford plea, acknowledging his guilt while maintaining his innocence. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse, making him eligible for parole after serving 10 years.
The sentencing of Cierre Wood brings some closure to a deeply painful chapter for the community, but the loss of La’Rayah Davis remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse.