Norman man intended to kill everyone in family, prosecutor says

Davis, 52, intentionally gunned down the women before being disarmed by the blind husband of one of his victims, District Attorney Greg Mashburn said today during opening statements in the trial. Davis is charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

He is accused of killing sisters Tami Link, 52, and Sheila S. Ellis, 56, and Link's mother-in-law, Letannah Bishop, 87.

Davis also is charged with a count of assault with intent to kill Link's husband, Brent.

Mashburn told a jury Davis was drunk and angry when he went to Tami and Brent Link's house Sept. 4, 2007.

The state's evidence will show Davis "intentionally went there to kill everyone in the family," Mashburn said.

Defense attorney Craig Corgan said Davis is an alcoholic and suffers from bipolar disorder "and his mental condition was such that he lacked the ability to form an intent to kill."

The state is seeking the death penalty for Davis.

Corgan said defense evidence will show that Davis has battled alcoholism and mental problems all his life. On the day of the killings, his blood alcohol level was almost four times the legal limit, Corgan said.

Davis' trial opened at 9 a.m. before District Judge Lori Walkley. Testimony is expected to last about two weeks.

Norman police Officer David Watson testified he was the first officer on the scene at the Links' home at 1517 Oklahoma Ave.

Watson said he saw no signs of a problem at first but called for backup officers anyway before approaching the house.

"Suddenly the front door opens and a guy bursts out screaming people had been shot. He was hysterical and yelling that his dad was inside and we needed to come inside and help," Watson said.

Officers ordered the man on the ground until they identified him as Stephen Link, Tami and Brent Link's son, Watson said.

Inside the home they found two women dead in a kitchen area and Brent Link trying unsuccessfully to resuscitate his mother in a sitting room off the kitchen.

Davis was found beaten and unconscious on the front porch lying on top of a shotgun, Watson said.