At the direction of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, prosecutors have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Stephanie M. Davis and Thomas J. Desharnais  if the defendants are convicted of First-Degree Murder.

In February, a Maricopa County Grand Jury indicted Davis and Desharnais on 11 felony counts, including first-degree murder, child abuse, and tampering with evidence. The charges stem from events that occurred between August 1, 2019 and January 30, 2022 where it is alleged that Davis and Deharnais inflicted bodily harm in an especially heinous or depraved manner to a minor under their care.

According to police documents, the child was found unresponsive at the hotel. He had various other injuries and officials noted multiple other instances of abuse against the victim and the victim’s sibling. The child died in January

“As a community, it is our responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable in society, and this includes children. The protection of children has always been a top priority for me.  This child’s suffering and death must be addressed and those responsible held accountable,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Seeking justice for this young boy whose life was cut short in an especially heinous matter is what prosecutors are called to do.”