LANCASTER – Authorities have identified a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man killed in Lancaster last month following a dispute over his dog.
Demonte Antone Thomas, 27, is wanted for the murder of Michael Davis, homicide detectives announced Wednesday.
Michael Davis
Davis, 22, was found shot to death around 10:38 p.m. June 26 in a parking lot in the 600 block of East Avenue H-14 in Lancaster.
In a news release issued Wednesday, homicide detectives detailed the alleged circumstances surrounding the shooting:
“On June 26, 2015, Mr. Davis was shot to death following a dispute over his dog. Earlier in the day, his poodle was run over by a car in the parking lot of the location. Davis chased down the driver (suspect Demonte Thomas), demanding that he help pay for any needed medical expenses for his injured pet. Thomas sped off and later returned to shoot Davis, who died at the scene.His vehicle is described as a white 1985 Chevy Blazer, CA license plate number 5GIT365.
Family members of Michael Davis, including his mother, Yolanda (right), display a portrait of the victim at a July 3 community press conference. (photo by Jim E. Winburn)
Davis was shot at least six times. He leaves behind a pregnant girlfriend and a son.”
Homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in obtaining any information related to the apprehension of Demonte Thomas. He is considered armed and dangerous, according to sheriff’s officials. View the LASD special bulletin here.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau, Detective O’Quinn or Detive D. Morris, at 323-890-5500. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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UPDATED 1/5/16: Demonte Antone Thomas was located and arrested on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, according to LASD inmate records. Thomas is charged with the murder of Michael Davis, and the felony complaint includes gun allegations, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Thomas was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, Jan. 5, but the arraignment was postponed to Jan. 25, said LADA spokesperson Ricardo Santiago.
37 comments for "Suspect ID’d in Lancaster shooting death, public’s help sought [update: suspect arrested]"
Tsays
Just heard they caught him.
Marysays
Dear Wow,
Not every person in the AV is African American and on Section 8. Section 8 is open to every nationality; Black, White, Vietnamese, Hispanic’s and even open to those with disabilities. If you do not receive these benefits, give thanks because this means you were fortunate enough in this life to be able to have the ability to work. This mother lost her child in a horrific crime and she doesn’t deserve these comments – her pain is already deep enough. Losing your life over an animal isn’t worth is; however, this young man still did not deserve death. A mother, his children, and I am sure siblings and extended family members loved this guy – he did not deserve to die over a dog. The mom is speaking truth – be careful with the things you say to others because one day, and I sure hope not, you may go through the same thing and it is then that you will be reminded of this mom and what she went through. Everyone who wrote a bad comment really owes this mom an apology.
Mikey momsays
It saddens me that there is such negativity when my son is now another man dead in a society filled with ignorance and senseless violence. But you will never understand till it comes knocking at your door. People keep your ignorance to yourself for the next life could be closer to home. We are not promised the next second let alone the next day….so WAKE UP PEOPLE
NoNE yasays
To JUST A HUMAN . OBVIOUSLY UR NOT HUMAN . J U S T A DOG ?? To WHO U? BC TO MANY DOGS OR OTHER PETS R FAMILY. Was it worth it to lose ur life over a family member? Umm let’s think . . . It’s like saying it’s just ur cousin CLAIM ANOTHER.. N REALLY WAT WAS UR PURPOSE IN WRITING UR COMMENT?? MORE LIKE FILLING PUT A JOB APPLICATION U SHOULD B DOING BC U HAVE TOO MUCH TIME ON UR HANDS. .. N FROM READING UR IRRELEVANT COMMENT I C THE REASON U MAY NOT BE FILING OUT APPLICATIONS BC U DNT COMPREHENED.. N UR THOUGHTS R ELSEWHERE
A humansays
1, life is too good to be arguing over a dog, 2, dog should of been on a leash. 3, call police and make a report, don’t go after someone you know nothing about. I feel sorry for both parties.4, it’s just a dog, not human! _ but in this world, every action has a reaction, so on. It’s all bad, but for a dog, it wasn’t worth it. Get another, can’t get another life tho.
Breesays
So what it was his dog, you don’t know how he felt about his pet you’re ignorant
human/animal loversays
you’re an idiot. people care about animals because they are loving creatures. wish someone could say the same about your soul less ass. that man was protecting his family. the dog could have been a kid. h-14 is a neighborhood.
wowsays
Meanwhile they said the suspect was a black male that mutt don’t even look black for all those saying he’s not Mexican yes he is if you knew his parents you’d know and every criminal in the av is a black person on section8Lmao sad
Tim Scottsays
Kinda blows a hole in the “we only say that because it is a description, we aren’t trying to just associate crime with a particular race” bit, doesn’t it? If I had been trying to help out with the search for the “unidentified black male” this guy wouldn’t have crossed my mind if he was standing right in front of me.
Grow upsays
Tim, as much as I don’t like to agree with you……..in this case your words ring true. Maybe if you changed your bedside manner people would be more open minded and receptive of your opinions on certain subjects. You seem intelligent, but quite often your arrogance and cocky attitude get in the way. Just saying.
Tim Scottsays
It’s a difficult balance. I generally only say things that I know the majority here are going to disagree with, because those are the only things that really need to be said. That leads to confrontations that for the most part I didn’t start, and I don’t think there’s any way through those confrontations where I will come off well. It’s either arrogantly “winning” or meekly conceding.
At any rate, I’m glad you took the time to acknowledge that in this case you think I might be on to something. Consider looking past the arrogance at some of the other things I say and you may find my ideas are not as disagreeable as the packaging.
Grow upsays
You have yourself a deal. Now let’s hope that the suspect in this situation is brought to justice so that the family can have some closure. I have known the victim since he was a child and we are truly devastated.
Tim Scottsays
Sorry for your loss, and please extend that to the family for me.
Grow upsays
Thank you, I will.
SHELIsays
THAT IS SOME RACIALLY BIASED B.S…. WHY DO THE MEDIA ALWAYS SAY WHEN THERE IS A BLACK PERSON EVOLVED IN THE CRIME THEY LET EVERYONE KNOW IT WAS AN accident ‘AFRICAN AMERICAN ‘ BUT ANY OTHER RACE ESPECIALLY LATINOS THE SAY ‘ SUSPECT UNKNOWN ‘.. I MEAN WTF. WHY DO HAVE IT SO HARD ?
Mikey momsays
What does section 8 have to do with my son’s death? You are the ignorance I’m speaking of..and what does it matter the race my son is DEAD blk wht or green we all bleed the same….
Marysays
I agree. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son. There is nothing I can do or say that will comfort your heart but I want you to know, that I, and so many others feel your loss. Losing someone, especially a child, is the most painful feeling in the world. I pray that God will strengthen you each day. For me, planting a tree in memory of my husband helped. I hope that you too can find something to do in your son’s memory; plant a tree, etc. It doesn’t take away your pain, but it does help ease it a bit. My condolences to you and your family.
ericasays
Welfare, gt,section 8?? I’m lost I thought we were talkn about a life!! Upper class committe upper class crimes like killing their wives/spouse for insurance money I see it on ID Discovery everyday so that’s nonsense, we need to respect the human race period and have respect for life period cuz at the end of the day we all bleed red!! Be blessed!!
Ebksays
[removed] this bitch nigha ima piss on his [removed] grave. RIP to my boi mike you didnt diserve to go so young. [removed]demonte and everybody down with him. You a [removed] and you are gonna get yours.
Donsays
Wht people fell to realize is that is always more to the story than what detectives or news reporters report. Js. It is a lose lose situation. For one a young boy is dead and the other one life is gone. It’s just sad.
Grow upsays
Two sides to every story? Ultimately, it seems pretty one sided to me, and what you FAIL (not fell) to realize is that the suspect determined how this story ended for Michael. Stop trying to justify what appears to be premeditated murder.
Grow upsays
And, apparently, this individual has NO REGARD for any type of life…..animal or human. What is sad are the TWO lives that crossed paths with the suspect that day. His life is not gone, he still lives (or in my opinion, selfishly and disgustingly hoards our oxygen) among us. If you are gainfully employed, Don, your taxes will now provide this individual 3 hots and a cot while the rest of us do our best to stay positive, keep the faith, and keep Michael alive in our memories. Simply stated, you suck.
Jasminesays
He didn’t do it and old boy shouldn’t have been pressing him about his dog that boy was a know. Game member so he would have got killed eventually
Grow upsays
Your ignorance needs its own blog, Jasmine
CDsurviversays
So jasmine…. How do you know he didn’t do it hmmmm??? It’s only right for him to have helped with the vet bill… He did hit the dog right???? It would be like if he would have hit a child… He would then be responsible to pay medical bills??? Am I correct??? Just because he asked for help with the bill doesn’t give this chicken $H!T the right to take his life…
SHICAsays
u r IGNORANT an very DISRESPECTFUL. .if it was ur child’s dog wouldn’t you wnt him to Help..an weather or not a gang member he was a very humble spirit, LOVING, AN CAN MKE ANY LAUGH…an it don’t give any body the RIGHT TO SHOOT HIM AN TKE HIS LIFE..HE WAS LOVED AND LIKED..ON THT NOTE TAKE UR IGNORANT COMMENTS AN SHOVE EM DEN YA THROAT…socif ur gonna PASS JUDGEMENT. .U NEED TO LOOK N THE MIRROR..
Vonsays
For Jasmine…I just read your post…How ridiculous you sound…Michael Davis, was a human being…Had his whole life ahead of him..He was a father of a young son, and expecting his second child…This tragic incident was not related to gang banging…This young man was distraught over his pet…The conversation Michael had with the shooter resulted in his death…I’m sure Michael never thought the guy would return and fire 6 shots into.his body..Who’s the GANG BANGER, Ms Jasmine, and to say he would have been killed anyway…You need a reality check…Life is precious…Every.morning YOU wake up is a blessing…a blessing for all…You should ask God to forgive you for saying something so cruel…Who are you to JUDGE anybody…Only God can judge…Michael Davis, is gone now…May he rest in peace…My condolences to his family…
grow upsays
Way yo go, Von, and you are so right. I may not know you, nor you me, but we seemingly both know the victim which connects us. Thank you for speaking up.
Dannysays
What a coward total scum I pray and hope he gets shot. Most likely crossed the boarder but he will be back they always do because the pres lets them.
wtfsays
He’s not even mexican! Idiot! Prayers for the family!
thomassays
You’re an idiot he’s not even Mexican
Nosays
I’ve noticed a lot of the time people who have comments to make regarding people crossing into or out of the U.S. can’t differentiate and use the correct word. It’s border, not boarder.
Tonysays
Wich “boarder” you refer to? The Canadian border or the Mexican border? Because even though I don’t think he is even Hispanic you may be right, he can be crossing the border to Canada. But the way your comment is I think you refer to the Mexican border because on your sick clueless mind you you think he is Mexican. Look around dear, and you will find that not only Mexicans or Hispanics are the criminals.
Mark Smithsays
What A Big Fat B*tch
David Gsays
Cuzz don’t play
Chrissays
It’s people like this piece of dog [removed] Demonte that make Av so bad. CUT WELFARE / General Relief AND SECTION 8 BY 75 PERCENT AND THESE POS’S WILL FADE AWAY IN TIME……..I lived in the Av for 34 years i moved away 2 years ago and i will never live there again i will just watch from my new home 950 miles away…….. What happened to Rex’s plan to stop crime at least Ledford does a little better job at it.
mexicanKsays
That sad part about what you want is there’s young kids who turn 18 with nothing who are not pos and would be affected by the change in general relief there’s general relief and section8 everywhere so I doubt that’s the problem they should do background checks on people before they let them move in a home there should be stricter home owners and management companies so that way pos like this guy would not find housing out here
Dear Readers,
After more than a decade of serving the Antelope Valley, we have made the difficult decision to close The Antelope Valley Times. The site will no longer be updated, but all past articles will remain accessible. Thank you for your loyalty and support over the years.
T says
Just heard they caught him.
Mary says
Dear Wow,
Not every person in the AV is African American and on Section 8. Section 8 is open to every nationality; Black, White, Vietnamese, Hispanic’s and even open to those with disabilities. If you do not receive these benefits, give thanks because this means you were fortunate enough in this life to be able to have the ability to work. This mother lost her child in a horrific crime and she doesn’t deserve these comments – her pain is already deep enough. Losing your life over an animal isn’t worth is; however, this young man still did not deserve death. A mother, his children, and I am sure siblings and extended family members loved this guy – he did not deserve to die over a dog. The mom is speaking truth – be careful with the things you say to others because one day, and I sure hope not, you may go through the same thing and it is then that you will be reminded of this mom and what she went through. Everyone who wrote a bad comment really owes this mom an apology.
Mikey mom says
It saddens me that there is such negativity when my son is now another man dead in a society filled with ignorance and senseless violence. But you will never understand till it comes knocking at your door. People keep your ignorance to yourself for the next life could be closer to home. We are not promised the next second let alone the next day….so WAKE UP PEOPLE
NoNE ya says
To JUST A HUMAN . OBVIOUSLY UR NOT HUMAN . J U S T A DOG ?? To WHO U? BC TO MANY DOGS OR OTHER PETS R FAMILY. Was it worth it to lose ur life over a family member? Umm let’s think . . . It’s like saying it’s just ur cousin CLAIM ANOTHER.. N REALLY WAT WAS UR PURPOSE IN WRITING UR COMMENT?? MORE LIKE FILLING PUT A JOB APPLICATION U SHOULD B DOING BC U HAVE TOO MUCH TIME ON UR HANDS. .. N FROM READING UR IRRELEVANT COMMENT I C THE REASON U MAY NOT BE FILING OUT APPLICATIONS BC U DNT COMPREHENED.. N UR THOUGHTS R ELSEWHERE
A human says
1, life is too good to be arguing over a dog, 2, dog should of been on a leash. 3, call police and make a report, don’t go after someone you know nothing about. I feel sorry for both parties.4, it’s just a dog, not human! _ but in this world, every action has a reaction, so on. It’s all bad, but for a dog, it wasn’t worth it. Get another, can’t get another life tho.
Bree says
So what it was his dog, you don’t know how he felt about his pet you’re ignorant
human/animal lover says
you’re an idiot. people care about animals because they are loving creatures. wish someone could say the same about your soul less ass. that man was protecting his family. the dog could have been a kid. h-14 is a neighborhood.
wow says
Meanwhile they said the suspect was a black male that mutt don’t even look black for all those saying he’s not Mexican yes he is if you knew his parents you’d know and every criminal in the av is a black person on section8Lmao sad
Tim Scott says
Kinda blows a hole in the “we only say that because it is a description, we aren’t trying to just associate crime with a particular race” bit, doesn’t it? If I had been trying to help out with the search for the “unidentified black male” this guy wouldn’t have crossed my mind if he was standing right in front of me.
Grow up says
Tim, as much as I don’t like to agree with you……..in this case your words ring true. Maybe if you changed your bedside manner people would be more open minded and receptive of your opinions on certain subjects. You seem intelligent, but quite often your arrogance and cocky attitude get in the way. Just saying.
Tim Scott says
It’s a difficult balance. I generally only say things that I know the majority here are going to disagree with, because those are the only things that really need to be said. That leads to confrontations that for the most part I didn’t start, and I don’t think there’s any way through those confrontations where I will come off well. It’s either arrogantly “winning” or meekly conceding.
At any rate, I’m glad you took the time to acknowledge that in this case you think I might be on to something. Consider looking past the arrogance at some of the other things I say and you may find my ideas are not as disagreeable as the packaging.
Grow up says
You have yourself a deal. Now let’s hope that the suspect in this situation is brought to justice so that the family can have some closure. I have known the victim since he was a child and we are truly devastated.
Tim Scott says
Sorry for your loss, and please extend that to the family for me.
Grow up says
Thank you, I will.
SHELI says
THAT IS SOME RACIALLY BIASED B.S…. WHY DO THE MEDIA ALWAYS SAY WHEN THERE IS A BLACK PERSON EVOLVED IN THE CRIME THEY LET EVERYONE KNOW IT WAS AN accident ‘AFRICAN AMERICAN ‘ BUT ANY OTHER RACE ESPECIALLY LATINOS THE SAY ‘ SUSPECT UNKNOWN ‘.. I MEAN WTF. WHY DO HAVE IT SO HARD ?
Mikey mom says
What does section 8 have to do with my son’s death? You are the ignorance I’m speaking of..and what does it matter the race my son is DEAD blk wht or green we all bleed the same….
Mary says
I agree. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious son. There is nothing I can do or say that will comfort your heart but I want you to know, that I, and so many others feel your loss. Losing someone, especially a child, is the most painful feeling in the world. I pray that God will strengthen you each day. For me, planting a tree in memory of my husband helped. I hope that you too can find something to do in your son’s memory; plant a tree, etc. It doesn’t take away your pain, but it does help ease it a bit. My condolences to you and your family.
erica says
Welfare, gt,section 8?? I’m lost I thought we were talkn about a life!! Upper class committe upper class crimes like killing their wives/spouse for insurance money I see it on ID Discovery everyday so that’s nonsense, we need to respect the human race period and have respect for life period cuz at the end of the day we all bleed red!! Be blessed!!
Ebk says
[removed] this bitch nigha ima piss on his [removed] grave. RIP to my boi mike you didnt diserve to go so young. [removed]demonte and everybody down with him. You a [removed] and you are gonna get yours.
Don says
Wht people fell to realize is that is always more to the story than what detectives or news reporters report. Js. It is a lose lose situation. For one a young boy is dead and the other one life is gone. It’s just sad.
Grow up says
Two sides to every story? Ultimately, it seems pretty one sided to me, and what you FAIL (not fell) to realize is that the suspect determined how this story ended for Michael. Stop trying to justify what appears to be premeditated murder.
Grow up says
And, apparently, this individual has NO REGARD for any type of life…..animal or human. What is sad are the TWO lives that crossed paths with the suspect that day. His life is not gone, he still lives (or in my opinion, selfishly and disgustingly hoards our oxygen) among us. If you are gainfully employed, Don, your taxes will now provide this individual 3 hots and a cot while the rest of us do our best to stay positive, keep the faith, and keep Michael alive in our memories. Simply stated, you suck.
Jasmine says
He didn’t do it and old boy shouldn’t have been pressing him about his dog that boy was a know. Game member so he would have got killed eventually
Grow up says
Your ignorance needs its own blog, Jasmine
CDsurviver says
So jasmine…. How do you know he didn’t do it hmmmm??? It’s only right for him to have helped with the vet bill… He did hit the dog right???? It would be like if he would have hit a child… He would then be responsible to pay medical bills??? Am I correct??? Just because he asked for help with the bill doesn’t give this chicken $H!T the right to take his life…
SHICA says
u r IGNORANT an very DISRESPECTFUL. .if it was ur child’s dog wouldn’t you wnt him to Help..an weather or not a gang member he was a very humble spirit, LOVING, AN CAN MKE ANY LAUGH…an it don’t give any body the RIGHT TO SHOOT HIM AN TKE HIS LIFE..HE WAS LOVED AND LIKED..ON THT NOTE TAKE UR IGNORANT COMMENTS AN SHOVE EM DEN YA THROAT…socif ur gonna PASS JUDGEMENT. .U NEED TO LOOK N THE MIRROR..
Von says
For Jasmine…I just read your post…How ridiculous you sound…Michael Davis, was a human being…Had his whole life ahead of him..He was a father of a young son, and expecting his second child…This tragic incident was not related to gang banging…This young man was distraught over his pet…The conversation Michael had with the shooter resulted in his death…I’m sure Michael never thought the guy would return and fire 6 shots into.his body..Who’s the GANG BANGER, Ms Jasmine, and to say he would have been killed anyway…You need a reality check…Life is precious…Every.morning YOU wake up is a blessing…a blessing for all…You should ask God to forgive you for saying something so cruel…Who are you to JUDGE anybody…Only God can judge…Michael Davis, is gone now…May he rest in peace…My condolences to his family…
grow up says
Way yo go, Von, and you are so right. I may not know you, nor you me, but we seemingly both know the victim which connects us.
Thank you for speaking up.
Danny says
What a coward total scum I pray and hope he gets shot. Most likely crossed the boarder but he will be back they always do because the pres lets them.
wtf says
He’s not even mexican! Idiot!
Prayers for the family!
thomas says
You’re an idiot he’s not even Mexican
No says
I’ve noticed a lot of the time people who have comments to make regarding people crossing into or out of the U.S. can’t differentiate and use the correct word. It’s border, not boarder.
Tony says
Wich “boarder” you refer to?
The Canadian border or the Mexican border? Because even though I don’t think he is even Hispanic you may be right, he can be crossing the border to Canada.
But the way your comment is I think you refer to the Mexican border because on your sick clueless mind you you think he is Mexican.
Look around dear, and you will find that not only Mexicans or Hispanics are the criminals.
Mark Smith says
What A Big Fat B*tch
David G says
Cuzz don’t play
Chris says
It’s people like this piece of dog [removed] Demonte that make Av so bad. CUT WELFARE / General Relief AND SECTION 8 BY 75 PERCENT AND THESE POS’S WILL FADE AWAY IN TIME……..I lived in the Av for 34 years i moved away 2 years ago and i will never live there again i will just watch from my new home 950 miles away…….. What happened to Rex’s plan to stop crime at least Ledford does a little better job at it.
mexicanK says
That sad part about what you want is there’s young kids who turn 18 with nothing who are not pos and would be affected by the change in general relief there’s general relief and section8 everywhere so I doubt that’s the problem they should do background checks on people before they let them move in a home there should be stricter home owners and management companies so that way pos like this guy would not find housing out here