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Political Rival, 31-Year-Old Othniel Askew Feared Exposure Killer's Record Included Beating Same-Sex Domestic Partner
The Times reported that Davis concluded Askew was gay after conducting a background check that revealed Askew was accused of beating a domestic partner with a hammer in 1996. The Associated Press (AP) reported that Askew pleaded guilty to assault and agreed to stay away from the victim of that crime. Shortly after Askew killed Davis, Askew was killed himself by Policeman Richard Burt. The set of events shocked the city, and the country. Video footage shot by security cameras show Askew and Davis avoided the magnetometer devices that screen for weapons, and the two walked together into City Hall at about noon July 23. Not long after, Askew used the .40-caliber pistol he had reportedly purchased in North Carolina to kill Davis before being shot himself. Other media reports reveal that police found a last will and testament left on a table beside some keys in Askew's home, which was indicates the July 23 murder was premeditated. Gay City News, a New York City GLBT publication, reported that Askew was a fixture at some of New York's most popular gay nightclubs after he graduated from Long Island's C.W. Post College in the early 1990s. The newspaper also portrayed the gunman's life as one that was spinning out of control prior to July 23. For instance, Askew reportedly was arrested for driving under the influence in Long Island in 1993. And in 1999, Askew was arrested for larceny after a male sex partner reported him to the police for stealing a leather valise. In addition, he was reportedly a recreational drug user. Meanwhile, GLBT leaders have expressed grief over the loss of Davis, who was viewed as an accomplished politician and supporter of their causes. "He was a politician, in the best sense, who would show up for his community and take action on their behalf," Dan Tietz, president of the Lambda Independent Democrats (LID), a Brooklyn gay political club, told Gay City News. In addition to his support for GLBT causes, Davis had been seen at Gay Pride marches and other community events. "He always spoke at our Black Pride events at Fort Greene Park," Gary English, executive director of People of Color in Crisis, a Brooklyn-based AIDS service group, told Gay City News. "He co-sponsored a Black Pride awards ceremony last year." |
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Councilman James Davis was shot six times by Askew