COURT HOUSE – Ernest P. Davis, 44, of Lower Township was sentenced by Superior Court Judge John Porto Sept. 28 to 38 years in state prison for first-degree attempted murder, according to Cape May County Acting Prosecutor Robert Johnson.
A county jury convicted Davis at the end of a week-long trial June 16 for first-degree attempted murder and aggravated assault, second degree, of Dorris Howell, 39. Davis was also convicted of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, second degree, and hindering his own prosecution, third degree.
The judge also imposed a nine-year sentence for unlawful possession of a weapon and four years for hindering his own prosecution.
The two sentences will run concurrent to the attempted murder sentence.
Davis must serve 85 percent of the 38-year sentence under the No Early Release Act before parole eligibility.
Davis shot Howell with a shotgun aboard the Fishing Vessel Storm, Oct. 3, 2015, while it was moored at a Lower Township dock.
As a result of that shooting, Howell’s left foot and part of her calf were amputated.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police and Lower Township Police Department.
Johnson commended all law enforcement agencies that took part in the investigation and Assistant Prosecutor Saverio Carroccia who prosecuted the case that resulted in Davis’ prison sentence.
Lower Township – The days of the subscription lifestyle are here. Just bought that new house? To be able to use the bathroom is $12.95 a month. You want to cook in your new kitchen? It’ll cost you $14.95 a month….
