ST. PAUL, MN – A gruesome incident has shocked the community as a 14-year-old boy faces allegations of fatally stabbing a 19-year-old man 22 times, and then writing about it in a journal. The accused minor, whose name remains confidential due to his age, is charged with second-degree murder, while a 17-year-old accomplice, Jeremy Joe Davila, is charged with aiding and abetting the crime.
On the night of March 31, officers from the St. Paul Police Department were dispatched to investigate a report of an unresponsive male lying on the street. Paramedics arrived to find Jay’Mier K. Givens, 19, critically wounded. Despite efforts to save him, Givens was pronounced dead at the hospital. An autopsy later confirmed he suffered 22 stab wounds mostly to his back.
Givens’ brother informed authorities that his sibling had left to meet with friends, including Davila and the younger suspect. The two suspects, identified as foster brothers, resided just three blocks from the location where Givens was discovered. Investigators used GPS data from Givens’ phone to trace his movements, determining he was near the suspects’ home around the time of the incident.
Surveillance footage captured by nearby cameras showed three individuals entering a wooded area, with only two emerging in a hurry. A neighbor reported unusual activity from the suspects’ residence post-incident, noting blankets were used to cover windows.
A search warrant executed on April 8 led to the discovery of key evidence in the suspects’ basement. Law enforcement retrieved two knives hidden in rafters, along with clothing matching that worn by individuals seen on video surveillance.
On May 1, authorities apprehended the younger suspect at his temporary foster home. There, anxiously written journal entries were found, describing the details of the attack. The notes chillingly referenced the murder, with phrases like “we dropped one” and crude allusions to the stabbing.
Although he initially denied involvement, the 14-year-old eventually confessed to pursuing and attacking Givens. According to the affidavit, he cited a dispute over Givens insulting his girlfriend’s child as a motive for the violence. He also detailed a plan to lure Givens with the false promise of a stolen car.
Following the murder, the two teens reportedly returned to their home, washed the weapons, and concealed them to avoid discovery.
As the case progresses, the juvenile suspects await a court hearing scheduled for June 3. Prosecutors intend to seek adult court proceedings for Davila, considering the severity of the charges.