WACO, TX - A McLennan County man who was on parole for arson has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after brutally beating his girlfriend, causing serious injuries, according to the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors identified the defendant as 35-year-old Corey Jarrell Davis. Despite the victim’s request that Davis not be prosecuted, the District Attorney’s Office moved forward with the case under its policy to prosecute domestic violence offenses whenever evidence supports the charge, regardless of victim cooperation.
District Attorney officials say the policy exists because domestic abusers often attempt to manipulate or intimidate victims into dropping charges, believing that control over the victim will shield them from accountability.
As part of the sentence, the court found that Davis used his hands as a deadly weapon during the assault. That finding significantly impacts parole eligibility. Davis will not be eligible for parole consideration until he has served at least half of his 25-year sentence and is expected to remain incarcerated beyond that point.
The District Attorney’s Office credited the Bellmead Police Department for its investigation, along with DA Investigator Myron Ridge and Victim Assistance Coordinator Sandra Hernandez for their work on the case.
“When evidence proves domestic violence has occurred, we prosecute. Period,” Assistant District Attorneys Rebeckah Lawson and Chris Spendlove said in a joint statement.
District Attorney Josh Tetens echoed that stance, emphasizing that charging decisions rest with prosecutors, not victims.
“Domestic abusers often mistakenly believe they can pressure a victim to drop charges,” Tetens said. “In McLennan County, our prosecutors will go where the evidence leads.”
