Davis sentenced to life for machete murder

Davis and another arrested in Tennessee after the murder

He’s been sentenced to life in prison for murder.

It happened at the Econo Lodge in Tomah, Wis., last March, when 43-year-old Derek Magnuson got into a fight with Zachary Davis.

Magnuson was stabbed seven times with a machete, after reportedly abusing the transgender girlfriend of Davis, whom he had just met.

A jury convicted the 27-year-old Davis of murder and robbery Thursday.

In the Sparta courtroom, Davis apologized to Magnuson’s relatives and friends, saying he hopes their pain will ease over time. 

Judy Larson knew Derek, and had allowed him and the couple to share the motel room where the murder took place. She told Davis in court that seeing him made her sick to her stomach, but she isn’t angry as much as she feels sorry for him.

Davis and his companion were arrested in Tennessee after spending heavily on the debit card they stole from Magnuson.

Defense attorney Christopher Zachar maintained that Davis defended himself in a prolonged fight with Magnuson, saying he was drunk and abusive that night.