Trial begins in 2014 Wilmington murder, arson case

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A trial began Monday for a Wilmington man accused of intentionally setting a fire that killed two people, including a young girl, seven years ago.

Harry Davis, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of first-degree arson in connection with the Dec. 23, 2014 fire that killed an autistic and blind 14-year-old girl, Makayla Pickett, who never made it outside the home, and her great aunt, Pamela Pickett, 51, who was able to get outside but collapsed in the yard and later died.

Three other family members escaped the home that caught fire on Lingo Avenue. According to previous StarNews reports, Davis was allegedly in a dispute with a Pickett family member when he set the family’s home on fire.

Beverly Pickett, Jasmine Sumpter, and Deseree Pickett escaped the fire.

Currently, the trial is in the process of seating the jury. Each juror is being selected individually, so no word on how long it may take. When the process is completed, the presentation of evidence will begin which should take about six days.

In 2015 prosecutors went to court and received approval to seek the death penalty, but on Monday the District Attorney’s office says if convicted Davis will face two life sentences without parole.

The delay in the trial was caused by a change in attorneys assigned to the case.

“There were multiple attorneys assigned over the time this case has been pending. Changes in attorneys cause a delay as the new attorney(s) need to take the time to develop a relationship with their client and review the voluminous case file,” Assistant to the District Attorney Samantha Dooies said. “Throughout the duration of the case, we have had a handful of hearings that progressed the status of the case. We have also had the case on a trial calendar for over a year, but we were unable to try it in 2020 due to COVID.”