Carolina Beach man sentenced for killing son last year

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WWAY) — A 63-year-old Carolina Beach man will spend up to 37.75 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing his 39-year-old son inside their home last year.

Robert Strauss Davis pleaded guilty Tuesday in New Hanover County Superior Court to second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the November 2025 shooting death of Tyler Davis.

According to prosecutors, the shooting happened Nov. 28, 2025, at the family’s home on Harper Avenue.

Investigators said Robert Davis and his son had argued earlier that day after Robert admitted to stealing liquor from his sister’s room. Robert later sent threatening text messages to his son and sister.

Prosecutors said Tyler returned home around 8:30 p.m. after spending the day with friends. His aunt found his body in his bedroom after returning from a trip shortly after midnight. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the torso.

According to the investigation, Robert Davis admitted to shooting his son. He told detectives he took a gun from his sister’s room, opened Tyler’s bedroom door and fired one shot.

He also told investigators he had practiced shooting the weapon inside the home earlier that day.

Davis received consecutive sentences of 30.4 to 35 years for the murder conviction and an additional 19 to 32 months for the firearm charge.

Prosecutors said North Carolina sentencing laws mean Davis will be in his mid-90s before he is eligible for release.

District Attorney Jason W. Smith said the case was part of the office’s efforts to address violent crime.

“Parents should be guardians of children, not those who would do harm to them, no matter the age of the child,” Smith said.