Suvechha Sarkar
When 23-year-old Marlin Rashad Davis set out from his home in New Orleans, Louisiana, in April 2024, he never expected that his life would take a tragic turn. Shortly after, he was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. In Netflix’s ‘Homicide Squad: New Orleans: A Witness to Murder,’ the focus is on the heartbreaking homicide that captured the attention of the community. It dives deeper into the investigation and witness statements that helped the officials take the alleged killer into custody. Moreover, the episode features real-time emotional accounts of Marlin’s mother.
Marlin Davis Was Shot Dead a Few Hours After Setting Out From Home
Marlin Davis, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, arrived as a beacon of light in the lives of Danielle Brown and Marvin Davis on June 29, 2000. He grew up in a supportive household and maintained a unique relationship with his brother, Marvin Jr., and his sisters, Martrell and Marchelle Davis. Over time, cracks developed in their parents’ relationship, and they ultimately parted ways. Danielle eventually found love again and married Richard Brown. Similarly, Marvin got a second chance at love when he met Duanna Davis, and it wasn’t long before they tied the knot, surrounded by their loved ones. That union led Marlin and his siblings to develop a bond with their stepbrothers, Tyrin Wiltz, Romeo Brown, Rashad Brown, and Marvin Augustin.
Marlin was also doted upon by his grandparents, Alvin Davis, Patricia Davis, Marva Boisdore, and Clyde Strahan. Danielle remembered him as someone who always smiled and loved her immensely. He ultimately completed his initial education at the McDonogh 35 Senior High School. In March 2024, Danielle started her own business, which was a mobile sno-ball stand. Reports state that Marlin loved helping his mother run the venture and often shared about it on his social media. On the morning of March 27, 2024, the 23-year-old had breakfast with his mother before meeting his cousin and another acquaintance. Around 1 pm, officials got a 911 call from a local, who reported that a man had been shot in the 2000 block of Painters Street.
When authorities arrived, they found the individual dead from multiple gunshot wounds. They also rushed his cousin to the nearby hospital since he was shot in his hand. There, the latter was treated and remained in stable condition. Shortly after, Danielle officially identified the deceased individual as Marlin. Forensic experts were able to recover some shell casings at the location but found no further evidence. According to reports, a witness at the scene described the suspect as a tall, slim black man. However, detectives were unable to find Marlin’s mobile at the scene. The autopsy ruled the case a homicide. It also determined the cause of Marlin’s death as multiple gunshot wounds to the body and head.
Multiple Witness Accounts and Circumstantial Evidence Helped Identify the Suspect
Initially, investigators spoke with Marlin’s cousin, who was the survivor, and learned that the alleged killer was around 6’3″ tall and a black man with a slim build and curly black hair. According to reports, the survivor told them the suspect was wearing a blue puffer coat with a black t-shirt and went by the name Deezy. Danielle reportedly informed the authorities that she had learned from others at the scene that the incident allegedly stemmed from an argument between Deezy and the survivor. Reports state that when Marlin got in the middle, it resulted in the shooting. Danielle reportedly told law enforcement that Deezy was a homeless person and was driving around in a silver Ford SUV. According to police records, Marlin’s family soon reported receiving calls from Marlin’s mobile.
As detectives dug deeper, they reportedly discovered that Marlin’s phone last pinged in the 2000 block, but they lost track of it. Upon checking previous records, they learned that Deezy’s actual name was Dejuan Brooks and that he had a prior criminal record, as per reports. Additionally, they noted that the suspect description provided by the witnesses and the survivor reportedly matched the photo of Deezy from the police record. Investigators then began searching for the alleged shooter’s vehicle. In the meantime, they visited the survivor at the hospital, where he denied recognizing anyone from a photo lineup, according to court records. Further reports suggest that Marlin had posted a story on his Instagram page with Deezy before picking up the survivor around 10 minutes before the murder.
According to police records, the survivor asked to see the photo lineup again. However, when asked to come to the station, he reportedly didn’t arrive. Ultimately, he came to the station and identified Deezy as the suspect from the photo lineup around 3 days after the murder. Official reports indicate that during his interview, Marlin’s cousin explained that he recognized Deezy by his distinctive neck and facial tattoos, but initially didn’t do so since he was allegedly scared. In his statements, he claimed that the fight that led to the homicide happened over clothes and girls. About 2 weeks after the murder, authorities in Missouri tracked Deezy down using a new phone number that he had used on his social media page. He was then taken into custody and extradited to Louisiana in April 2024. Deezy was indicted on the charge of second-degree murder.
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Dejuan “Deezy” Brooks Remains Behind Bars in Louisiana Ahead of His Trial
After Dejuan “Deezy” Brooks was extradited to Louisiana, the officials reportedly discovered that he had bought a new phone just 6 hours after Marlin’s death. According to reports, the new number that Deezy set on his Instagram page helped officials track his location through a formal warrant. However, it is essential to note that digital forensic experts were unable to get any evidence from his cell phone. As of writing, Deezy is held in custody at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 21-year-old is currently awaiting his trial and is considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law.
