Arrests Made In Death Of 22 Year Old Christopher Davis

[Henry]

Two men were arrested this morning for allegedly luring Christopher Davis, 22, of Swanton, to the St. Albans City municipal swimming pool on March 21 where police said they beat and robbed him.
 
Davis was found dead in the outdoor pool 26 days later.
 
The arrests, beginning at 8:30 this morning, provided the first evidence that police have made significant strides in the young man’s mysterious death.

Read more in The St. Albans Messenger:

http://www.samessenger.com/node/3223

[Chris Santee]

PRESS RELEASE St. Albans Police Department

The criminal investigation into the death of Chris Davis (age 22), whose body was found in the St. Albans City (Municipal) Swimming Pool on 4/16/2012 has uncovered the following:  Chris Davis was lured to the area of the City Swimming Pool on 03-21-12 by Travis Bugbee, age 23 of St. Albans and Brian Ross, also age 23 of St. Albans where he was subsequently beaten and robbed by both men. Police have conflicting accounts about exactly when and how Davis ended up in the swimming pool and whether or not he was still alive when he went into the pool. However, Investigators are certain that Davis did not leave the area of the robbery between the time of the assault and when his body was discovered in the City Pool on 04-16-12.

An autopsy was conducted but due to the amount of time that passed between Davis’ death and when the body was recovered from the pool the Medical Examiner’s Office is unable to determine the exact cause of death. 

At 8:30 a.m. this morning Police began arresting suspects involved in the Davis robbery incident. Travis Bugbee and Brian Ross were the first to be arrested. Bugbee is charged with Unlawful Mischief and Assault and Robbery. Ross is charged with Assault and Robbery.

The arrests continue as a third individual, Joshua Fortine, age 29 of St. Albans was arrested for his role in possessing and selling some of Davis stolen property (an EBT card) and for Accessory, after the fact, in the Assault and Robbery.

Two additional arrests in this case are expected to be made later toady and a press release will be issued following those arrest.

Bugbee, Ross and Fortine will be processed and transported to Franklin Superior Court for immediate arraignments.

Issued:      06-28-12
By:      Chief Gary L. Taylor

[Chris Santee]

PRESS RELEASE St. Albans Police Department

Police have arrested Stephen Wells, age 36 of St. Albans for his purchase and use of Chris Davis’ stolen EBT card, which he purchased from Joshua Fortine.

Stephen Wells will be arraigned along with Ross and Fortine at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon. He is one of the two additional arrests spoken of in this mornings press release.

Issued:      06-28-12
By:      Chief Gary L. Taylor




PRESS RELEASE St. Albans Police Department

Police have arrested the 5th person sought, Ann Wells, age 53 of Milton for her role in purchasing and using Chris Davis’ stolen EBT card. She purchased the stolen card through her son, Jeffrey Wells from Joshua Fortine.

Issued:      06-28-12
By:      Chief Gary L. Taylor

[Henry]

Ann Wells

Brian Ross

Josh Fortine

Steven Wells

Travis Bugbee