Jerad Davis

The Jamestown Police Department is asking for community residents to help solve a May 2024 homicide.

A person of interest has been identified in connection with the case, according to a news release from the department, and additional witnesses have recently provided information to investigators.

As The Post-Journal reported last week, what was originally investigated as an unattended overdose death has turned into a homicide investigation. Officers responded to 442 Buffalo St. on May 2, 2024, for a reported overdose. Through collaborative efforts with the Chautauqua County Coroner’s Office, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Davis family, it was determined that Mr. Davis’s death was the result of a homicide, not an overdose. The investigation revealed that Davis sustained fatal injuries from an assault.

“The Chautauqua County Coroner’s Office found some questionable bruising and injuries to Davis’ body and requested a criminal investigation into the matter,” the city’s 2024 annual crime report states. “The Jamestown Police Department’s Detective Bureau, along with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, have been working on this case as new information and evidence continues to come to light.”

The Jamestown Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident to come forward. Specifically, investigators would like to speak with anyone who observed or had contact with Jerad Davis from on or about March 1, 2024 through May 2, 2024, or was inside the apartment located at 442 Buffalo Street in Jamestown during this same timeframe.

Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Jamestown Police Department Detective Bureau at 716-483-7536 or the anonymous tip line at 716-483-TIPS (8477).

Davis was 44 when he died, according to his obituary. He enjoyed bonfires and camping on the weekends with his children as well as fishing with family and friends, cooking and riding in the car and listening to older music. He is survived by eight children, a brother, two sisters, his mother, stepfather and his grandmother.

“We are seeking justice for Jerad. He did not deserve this, and we deeply miss him. Our lives will never be the same without him,” the Davis family said in a statement Friday.