Dump Squad Gang Member Sentenced to Life for Murder

March 17, 2010 - NEWPORT NEWS, VA—Edward Davis, 25, of Newport News, Va., was sentenced today to life in prison for murdering Terrell Williams in Newport News, Va., on November 8, 2006 and Tiarra Campbell in Newport News, Va. on January 17, 2007.

Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Alex J. Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Norfolk Division; and James D. Fox, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith.

“Edward Davis will spend the rest of his life behind bars to pay for the terror he and his gang raged on Newport News,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “As a result of extraordinary law enforcement work, and the assistance of citizens, we saw crime drop by 44 percent after Edward Davis and other members of the Dump Squad were taken off the streets.”

“The significant decrease in crime in the area controlled by the Dump Squad shows what a tremendous positive effect removing violent criminals from our streets has on the community. I am extremely proud of the tenacious work done by all the law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation.” said Chief Fox. “As we continue to work with other local, state and federal agencies to fight crime, the word to the criminal element continues to be ‘we are coming after you’.”

“This is a sterling example of a joint investigation initiated by the Newport News Police Department that successfully disrupted a criminal enterprise that was eroding the quality of life for the residents of Newport News.” said Special Agent in Charge Turner. “We hope this investigation sends a message that the violence associated with criminal enterprises and led by persons such as Edward Davis will not be tolerated.”

Davis pled guilty on November 17, 2009, to his participation in a racketeering conspiracy, discharging a firearm during a robbery, brandishing a firearm during a robbery and murder. Davis was sentenced to life on the racketeering charge, a life sentence for the murder, and 35 years consecutive on the two firearm charges.

According to a statement of facts filed with his plea agreement, between 2003 and 2009, Davis was a member of the “Dump Squad” street gang, a criminal organization that operated primarily in the Ridley Circle, Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court areas of Newport News. Members engaged in drug distribution and violence including murder, attempted murder and robbery. They often carried firearms to intimidate others and protect themselves from rival gangs. On November 8, 2006 Terrell Williams was killed during a drug-related robbery. On January 17, 2007, Tiarra Campbell was killed to prevent her communication and cooperation with law enforcement officers regarding the criminal activities of Edward Davis and Dump Squad members.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Tayman and Robert Bradenham II prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.