Accused tot killer takes stand

Joseph J. Davis, the man accused of killing his 17-month old stepson last summer, told friends he did not like to be alone with the child because he was afraid something could happen.

On Wednesday, the seventh day of testimony in Davis’ murder trial in First District Court, prosecutor Art Verharen shot barbs at Davis, who spent most of the day deflecting the sharply- angled questions.

In one exchange Verharen asked about a telephone conversation in which Davis reportedly told a friend he avoided contact with Maliki Wilburn, his stepson.

“I never felt like I wanted to be alone with him,” Davis said. “That’s why I was always sure he was in daycare and stuff”/ Ralph Bartholdt , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here.