Trial Scheduled in Case of Pasadena Teen Accused of Murdering 5 Year Old Sister

A criminal trial has been scheduled in the case of Stephen Jarrod Davis Jr., the teen accused of murdering his five year old sister inside their Pasadena home nearly two years ago. 

According to court records, prosecutors and defense attorneys will argue their respective sides during a nine day trial, starting on October 7, 2022.  Davis, now 19, was arrested at the age of 17 and charged as an adult on a single count of first degree murder, child abuse resulting in death and the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. 

On the morning of Saturday, October 3, 2020, Anne Arundel County Police officers responded to an Applegate North residence in the 4100 block of Apple Leaf Court for a "juvenile problem" and later discovered Anaya Abdul deceased in her bed, according to court documents obtained by Report Annapolis.  An autopsy was completed, and the cause of death was determined to be multiple sharp force injuries, the manner of death was ruled homicide, police said. 

Investigators allege Davis, a Chesapeak High School Senior at the time, left a disturbing note in the home before fleeing the state.  "Honestly, I hate yall so much," the note said.  "I wanted to kill you all but I believe one is enough to cause you damage." He was initially taken into custody several hundred miles away by Ohio State Police after leading troopers on a high speed chase through I-70. 

Davis was extradited back to Anne Arundel County from Ohio several days later, and subsequently booked and charged with his sister's murder.  

In a heartfelt letter shortly after Anaya's death, Fort Smallwood Elementary School Principal Bobbie Kesecker reflected on the loss of the young child. "Anaya, a kindergarten student at our school, was very sweet," Principal Kesecker wrote in the letter.  "She was quite animated when called upon, and always had something to say in the classroom."

Anaya was laid to rest following a service in Prince George County on October 19, 2020, according to an online obituary.  "Naya Pop, you will truly be missed," a family member wrote inside the obituary.  "You were a burst of sunshine, always so animated and excited about life." 

Authorities have yet to specifically say how Anaya was killed.  Davis remains held without bond at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.