Skip to content
News
Link copied to clipboard

Man convicted in murder faces new charge

UTICA, N.Y. - A man already serving 300 years in prison for his role in the shooting death of a police officer is now facing trial on identity-theft charges.

UTICA, N.Y. - A man already serving 300 years in prison for his role in the shooting death of a police officer is now facing trial on identity-theft charges.

Toussaint Davis is accused of using the identity of John T. Healy, of Lower Makefield, Bucks County, when he was arrested for the slaying of New Hartford police officer Joseph Corr after a million-dollar jewelry store robbery in February 2006. The latest charges include forgery and possessing fake driver's licenses.

Davis, 39, was convicted of second-degree murder under Healy's name for Corr's death. It was not until just before sentencing that authorities learned his true identity. The real Healy reported his personal information stolen in late 2005.

Oneida County Judge Michael Dwyer scheduled the trial for Sept. 10 after Davis rejected a plea offer Wednesday calling for 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison if he pleaded guilty to one count of forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Davis would face an additional 11 2/3 to 35 years in prison if convicted after trial, Assistant District Attorney Kurt Hameline said.

Defense attorney Rebecca Wittman said Davis had no incentive to plead guilty since he already faced 300 years in prison. Davis also was convicted of 18 counts of robbery.

"I think it's a complete waste of everybody's time, energy and resources," Wittman said of any further prosecution of Davis.

Hameline said there was no guarantee the 300-year sentence would not be overturned by an appellate court, so it was important to prosecute Davis for any crime that applied to him.

Corr, 30, was gunned down behind a convenience store in Kirkland, N.Y., as he chased Davis and Walter Richardson, who were running away after their getaway car had crashed. Police said the men had just stolen more than $1 million in jewelry and watches from a New Hartford store.

Davis was captured at the scene. Richardson hijacked a tow truck at gunpoint and escaped. He later was shot to death during a gunfight with U.S. marshals near his home in Chester, Delaware County. Although it was Richardson who shot Corr, prosecutors charged Davis with murder because he was involved in the crime and escape that led to the killing.

Two other suspects are awaiting trial.