Carolina Beach man held without bond after son’s killing as prosecutors push first-degree murder charge

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — Carolina Beach Police are actively investigating a homicide that occurred this weekend. 

Robert Strauss Davis made his first virtual appearance in New Hanover County Court Monday, initially charged with second-degree murder for shooting and killing his son — Andrew Tyler Davis. 

Police claim the shooting occurred at 717 Harper Avenue in the early morning on Saturday, where Davis lived with his sister and son. 

In court Monday, prosecutors claim that Davis got into a dispute with his relatives over stolen liquor.    

After the argument, Andrew Davis left the home, returned later, and was playing video games in his bedroom. 

Prosecutors told the judge that Robert Davis went through his sister’s belongings, located a handgun, entered his son’s room, and shot him in the chest. 

Prosecutors also said the defendant’s sister and boyfriend came home to find the victim in his room, while the defendant was still in his bedroom with the handgun sleeping. 

The defendant made no attempt to contact 911 and told detectives he had been planning to kill his son, sister, and then himself. 

Because of the premeditated nature, prosecutors asked the judge to change the charges from second to first degree. 

Davis asked for a court appointed attorney. 

He received no bond, and his next court appearance is set for December 18th.