Photo: Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
A Louisiana man, Jerry Gelpi, has been sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years for the brutal stabbing of his ailing neighbor, Charles Davis, in 2021. Gelpi, 42, was convicted of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with the killing of 68-year-old Davis, a forklift driver who was recovering from COVID-19 and required oxygen at the time of his death.
During the sentencing, 24th Judicial District Court Judge Frank Brindisi delivered a stern message to Gelpi: “Mr. Gelpi, you’re going where you deserve to be. You accused this man of being a demon. You were the only demon that day,” the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office revealed in a news release.
According to prosecutors, on February 8, 2021, Gelpi, who lived in the apartment below Davis, entered his neighbor’s apartment and attacked him in the bathroom. Davis, already weakened from his illness, was overpowered by Gelpi. The brutal assault escalated when Gelpi stabbed Davis in the neck, causing him to fall into the bathtub. Gelpi continued to stab the older man, delivering a total of at least 16 blows.
Prosecutors detailed that after the attack, Gelpi washed his hands in the kitchen sink, then returned to his own apartment, where he attempted to cover up the crime. He disposed of his bloody clothes and the murder weapon by throwing them into the Mississippi River. Davis’s daughter later discovered her father’s body curled in the fetal position in the bathtub on the morning of February 9, 2021.
Investigators found key evidence linking Gelpi to the murder. His DNA was discovered under Davis’s fingernails and on the kitchen faucet where he had washed his hands. Additionally, forensic analysis revealed that Gelpi had conducted internet searches about knife fighting and targeting specific organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Throughout the trial, Gelpi pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was “the son of God” and that Davis was “the strongest demon in my experience.” Despite these assertions, the jury took less than 30 minutes to return a guilty verdict, according to NOLA.com.
The case, marked by Gelpi’s disturbing delusions and brutal violence, concluded with a life sentence, ensuring Gelpi remained incarcerated for the rest of his life.
