SANTA MONICA—The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged Roy Antonio Davis, 26, on March 13, for his role in the murder of John Hautz, 88, who was killed with a pick ax at his Santa Monica apartment, and the stabbing death of a transient several days later. Davis faces two counts of murder and one count of first-degree burglary, person present.
The criminal complaint includes the special circumstance allegations of murder while engaged in the commission of a burglary and multiple murders. Charges include allegations that a pick ax and a knife were used as deadly weapons. “The initial call came in from a neighbor that noticed Mr. Hautz and he appeared unconscious,” said Lt. Rodriguez to Canyon News.
Davis pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 19 in Department W31 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch. Case SA097439 was filed on February 23.
John Hautz was found dead inside his apartment in the 2300 block of 34th Street in Santa Monica on January 1. He suffered multiple stab wounds to the body, the prosecutor indicated. The second alleged victim, Kenneth Schmitt, 28, was found stabbed to death outside of a nightclub in the 5900 block of Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood on January 13.
Davis faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted as charged. A decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be determined at a later date. The case is still under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department, West Homicide Bureau.
