PHOENIX, AZ – The tragic death of 16-year-old Zariah Dodd and her unborn child has left a community in mourning as new court documents reveal disturbing details about the incident. On the day of her death, Dodd, who was five months pregnant, had been walking when she was picked up by her current boyfriend, the father of her unborn child, and another individual.
Before the fatal event, Dodd sent a chilling text to a friend expressing fear for her safety. This new information sheds light on the timeline leading up to the murder, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Dodd had expressed a desire to visit a friend on July 4th, but her caseworker advised against it, suggesting a walk instead. Investigators report that Dodd left the group home with a laptop, a distinctive tumbler, and a purse, unaware of the tragedy that awaited her.
During her walk, Dodd was picked up by Ja Krejci, James Gillette, and Gerald Davis. It was during this time that Dodd texted a friend, stating that they were driving in circles and that she was scared.
The following day, a passerby discovered Dodd’s body with a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators have since revealed that Gerald Davis admitted to picking up Dodd and dropping her off at a local park, where the tragic event unfolded.
James Gillette has confessed to the murder, claiming that Davis ordered him to shoot Dodd, or else they both would be killed. Gillette expressed regret over his actions, stating he wished he could undo what happened. Despite his confession, Davis denies any involvement in ordering the murder.
Both Davis and Gillette are now facing two counts of first-degree murder, one for Dodd and another for her unborn child. Davis, who is the father of the unborn child, also faces an additional charge, adding complexity to an already heartbreaking case.
The community continues to grapple with the loss, as the legal proceedings unfold, seeking justice for Zariah and her unborn child.