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October 16, 2008

BREAKING NEWS: Jury says Reeves is guilty

Posted: 10:10 PM ET

ORLANDO, Florida–The man accused of framing a teen in a bomb plot has been found guilty of armed burglary and possession of a destructive device.

Kenneth Reeves, 50, now faces life in prison. The six-member panel deliberated for three hours and 10 minutes before returning their verdict on six counts of armed burglary and five counts of possession of a destructive device.

He was also found guilty of burglary, a lesser offense of one of the armed burglary charges, and not guilty of two counts of possession of a destructive device.

The jurors’ verdict means they did not believe Reeves planted the two pipe bombs found in the bedrooms of the Davis’ house.

Davis’ and Reeves’ family members sobbed as the verdict was read. Outside the courtroom, Scott Davis Jr. said he felt vindicated. Asked what his feelings were for Reeves, the 19-year-old said “I wish he would have never walked in my life. I wish he would have never walked into my parents’ life my family.” Then he looked directly at the camera to address Reeves: “You destroy us all in the most emotional way you can possibly do to somebody. I hope you are watching this, I really do.”

Prosecutors contend Reeves deliberately misled police to believe Davis was planning to blow up his high school in May 2007. Reeves told police members of the Davis family had shown him where pipe bombs were hidden on their property.

In Session will bring you complete verdict coverage live on Friday, beginning at 9 a.m.

–In Session staff

Filed under: Trials


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Not "scared" anymore   October 16th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I wrote a comment on another blog but just came across this one... unfortunatly i am the daughter of this crazy man. Beleive it or not on the stand and through this case he has maintained that he is a single father of a 15 year old, the truth is he has had one of my brothers for a short time and there are a total of 4 of us...notice no mention of the other 3. At the time all of this started with the Davis family the other 3 of us had noting to do with him due to the way he cooses to live and things that he has done to our family and others. None of us approve or agree with the way he lives. I have feared this man most of my life and in the last 11 years he has been in and out of trouble including charges in another county that he is still awaiting trial on. It seems that until today he has gotten off with little to no time in jail or any consequences. Several of my family members were there through the trial and when the verdict was read ... it was very emotional ... angry, happy, sad, overwhelmed, and the list goes on. My family is now safe and although he hasnt been sentenced yet we have faith that he wont live long enough to ever get out to harm anyone. As a family we will stick together and be ok ... he has never been a "dad" so really we arent going to be missing much! The state did an amazing job in this case and I thank them for all the time and hard work that Mr Fisher put into this serious trial.

tom   October 17th, 2008 7:17 am ET

I am not surprised by the jury's verdict. While Reeves handled himself well on direct and cross, the mountain of circumstancial evidence pointed directly to him. His own description of actions he took "to help the police", difficult for most anyone to believe, just added flames to the fire.

Chris Corwin   October 17th, 2008 7:53 am ET

Next time maybe he won't take the witness stand. He ehelped to prove the prosecutions case beyond reasonable doubt. There was doubt until then. Congradulations Davis family and I hope you can get life back to somewhat normal again.

TM   October 17th, 2008 7:56 am ET

Thats a travisty of justice. His detailed account of the events that he laid out on the witness stand was sooo detailed he had me a believer. I hope at some point he is able to appeal.

Chris Corwin   October 17th, 2008 7:58 am ET

Next time maybe he won’t take the witness stand. He HELPED to prove the prosecutions case beyond reasonable doubt. There was doubt until then. CONGRATULATIONS Davis family and I hope you can get life back to somewhat normal again.

Wayne   October 17th, 2008 9:28 am ET

Don't you think its rather more than just a coincidence that the means by which Reeves tried to take his revenge out on the focus of his misplaced affection was the same means by which he was a so called "expert" – bombs.

rhonda townsend   October 17th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Lisa I heard you ask MRS DAVIS if he remained friends with them after he had ask her to go to dinner with him and she said no . Then why was he there helping change thr door locks.Had'nt their son already been arrested by then. if so that makes no sense to me.

Melissa Cathelyn   October 17th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Good verdict. Sometimes when I see mized verdicts come back on diff. counts I feel the jurors were very thoughful, didn't just settle on a compromised verdict, and looked at the evidence supporting each charge. Good job, jury!

Sandra Emerick   October 17th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Most compelling is the fact that he did not talk to family about their son before he set up his fake "alibi" with his police contacts.

Janice   October 17th, 2008 11:00 am ET

As a layman, I am having trouble with the Jurors verdict on Count One. I do believe it was proven by the Police search that there were no bombs the first time around – then Reeves called to tell the police that they didn't look in the right place, Police returned and searched again, and found them in the very place Reeves said the would be . I can't agree with the jury on counts one, two and three. I can't wait for Reeves sentence on the 24th. Perhaps it will be life with no parole, I feel life is justified.

Klaatu   October 17th, 2008 11:19 am ET

I think this is ridiculous...something is missing and way more convoluted that we have been lead to believe...

L sabo   October 17th, 2008 11:32 am ET

During the trial several questions and comments were made about internet searches on pipe bombs. I just heard that one person stated one of the most important arquments for Mr. Reeves guilt was his computer search for pipe bombs.

This trial must have caused many people to search the internet for pipe bombs, just to learn more about them. How do they work, what exactly are they. Everyone has heard of them, but most likely few like myself really know how they work or how they are made.

I have so far rejected the temptation to do an internet search to learn more!

tommyc925   October 17th, 2008 11:56 am ET

how old is scott davis sr and his wife heather?

sheryl   October 17th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Something about this case just doesn't make sense. I could never have voted him guilty had I sat on that jury.
Sometimes much is put into a defendant's demeanor or visible image. Reeves doesn't have the most pleasant, innocent look one could have and I think that played a part. Scott Davis, jr was a troubled boy, kicked out of school, had anger and depression issues.

My vote would definitely have been NOT GUILTY for Reeves.

CJ Dobson   October 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Sounds like the jury couldn't dismiss the idea that Scotty may have made the two metal bombs. I agree with them because of the parts from the rocket (or similar ones) being used. Not saying that he did it for certain, just a little reasonable doubt.

not "scared" anymore   October 17th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

What no one seems to understand is not only was the evidence there and he actually provided one of the most important pieces (picture's) but his story changed several times as will...if u knew him u would know that this isn't the first time he has turned to bombs to get revenge on someone and it was convenient to him that Scott was removed from the school that just made it easy for him to blame him from the start...had he of walked away after the first two and no been so quick to offer pics maybe it wouldn't have turned to him, but as a family member who knows his history and MO I had no doubt he was guilty the first night they went and searched his house. What really makes me mad is he drug my brother into this mess ... this man is very very sick... sad thing is it is way to late for help. I personally know of several chances and opportunities to change his life and the way he chooses to live it but everytime he chooses to continue on a path of self destruction... I have give him numerous opportunities to change and have tried to help him better himself but yet again all he cares aboout is himself and doesn't want to change. like I said in my other post every other time he has been arrested (and there are several) he basicly gets a slap on the wrist and serves minimal time. Every dog has their day and he just got his.

littlezealot   October 17th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I have been reading the comments regarding this case and as a member of the jury that convicted Kenneth Reeves I would like to give you some insight as to our decision. We found him not guilty of the first 4 counts because there was "reasonable doubt" that the prosecution made its case on the arm burglery and possession of the first two pipe bombs. The family was there at the time and did not see him carrying anything into the house. The testimony of the neighbors and the fact that the family was away from home during the night of May 14th, along with all the photos of the scene convinced us that he did more than just take pictures of the 4 pvc pipe bombs.

CJ Dobson   October 17th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

TO THE REEVES FAMILY...Bless your hearts, I hope you can let this result be YOUR justice too. Fitting that his pathological lying is the nail in his coffin, because if he had stopped at the bombs in the house, we would have never known and another innocent person would have been victimized by him. We would have been watching a trial of a teen making bombs. I hope your family can find peace in the future, knowing he is gone for good.

Chris Corwin   October 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Did you see his face when they read counts one through tree?!?!?! Than BOOM...no pun intended...GUILTY!!! The wet spot dried up quickly. What a sick twisted person.

Tom Clancey   October 17th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

After watching the sons reaction to this whole event I can see why Reeves choose to frame him. He is a dolt, a very slow teen. I watched him answer questions and could not believe how slow and unemotional this kid is. Is he on some mood drugs? He can't put more than two words together without stopping and saying "Um, ah" the kid is a perfect stooge to frame because he is not the sharpest tool in the box. As my friend would say, " THE BOY IS AS SHARP AS A BOWLING BALL."
The Mom could be a little quicker on the uptake as-well, she should have seen this guys advances much sooner.
-–Good luck in the future Kid.

not "scared" anymore   October 17th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Littlezealot-

I want to thank you for your time and from the bottom of my heart I feel that finally justice has been served. Although I can't even imagine how hard it is to find someone guilty of such serious charges, I want you to know that I have known this man for almost 30 years and he has done terrible things to so many people not only was he truly guilty of all 6 you took a CRAZY man off the street and made several families sleep peacefully, including mine. Once again I thank you!

Lee   October 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

The not guilty verdicts make no sense. How do they think the items in the bedrooms got there if not the defendant bringing them in?? Thank goodness for the remainder of the verdicts being guilty. How sad, though, that his own family was against him. He must be so alone and desperate for attention. How in the world did he get custody of his son if his family believes he is capable of such acts?

Matu   October 17th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

As to his daughter shaking, I'm form ilia with those emotions. The fact that she is a "Woman/Girl/Daughter, its obvious to me what that means. As a woman in a family of 11, where some psychopaths dwell, I can imagine what he has done to her. The son, he knows what has happened to his siblings and Mom. May they find peace of mind and freedom to exist free of trauma by a psychopathic father. He is still their father, but not a man who honored his position in his life, a police officer. He is a disgrace, a lair and he wanted what he couldn't have, so he "Chose" to abuse his badge. I know his children feared his corrupt power. His mind over his having a badge that told him " I am powerful and I'll take you out", was his fatal blow, to himself. I send you love and warmth, my Mother would have given you her support as well. Peace to all of you. Karma has done its job!

mom   October 17th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

The pill bottle picture from his own computer said it all. There was no reasonable explaination for him to take a pic of his OWN BOTTLE. His testimony was over the top..moving pipe bombs without care of injury..most of us would run the other way, and let police do their job. There may be more to the story, but if rejection made him angry, it follows that he was willing to do whatever he could to hurt the one who turned away his advances. His demeanor on the stand was that of someone who knew it all, and thought himself smarter than anyone else involved.

Michaela   October 17th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Dear Defendand (Mr. Reeves)
I got only one thing to say:
From the standpoint of a judge in the "criminal olympics"

Plan- it's a ten

Execution- ZERO

He got what he deserved, I hope that makes us more cautiouse of whom we trust!

Michaela   October 17th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

PS: I think he qualifies for the "dummest criminal" reword

Kdogg   October 17th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Tom, contrary to your statement and how it appeared on Tv, Scott Davis Jr is an intelligent person. Did he have some problems? Yes, but he has earned his degree and is now attending college. Some people get nervous on the stand. They have been through hell and to have people like Tom come on here and insult their intelligence angers me.
Bottom line justice is done and my hopes to Scott and his family for a better future.

DSchmidt   October 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

"Lisa I heard you ask MRS DAVIS if he remained friends with them after he had ask her to go to dinner with him and she said no . Then why was he there helping change thr door locks.Had’nt their son already been arrested by then. if so that makes no sense to me."

Exactly. Scott, the father said when interviewed that his wife was suspicious of Reeves after the first search. How come he had run of the compound for five hours? There are a lot of gaps in this story.

Rick James   October 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Isn't there some charge such as "framing someone for a crime" that they could have given him? I think framing an innocent person for a crime (especially one so serious) should be worth a lot of jail time. Framing someone ruins innocent lives in addition to the lives that are destroyed by the crime itself.

I guess it doesn't matter. He is probably going to prison for life anyway.

Jack Pamplona   October 17th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Why wasn't Reeves charged with some kind of Child Endangerment/Bodily Harm charges if he planted the bombs? If they would have gone off, someone surely would have gotten hurt!

lisa   October 17th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

They didnt remain friends after. Reeves is the only one who testified that he was there while the doors were being worked on. That was a cover up for why he was in the shop. He is a liar and his whole story was just that, a story.

Azsunny1   October 17th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

Too bad Scott remarked to Ashley (interview after trial) just what that psycho Mr. Reeves would want to hear...'You destroy us all in the most emotional way you can possibly do to somebody. I hope you are watching this, I really do.”

PS. I've noticed Ashley doesn't act as professional as she used to on Court TV (Ttrutv). She acts silly!
Please stop trying to talk 'urban jive' because it's not cute (it's lame) and remember the trials are serious and there's no need to quip and clown when interviewing attorneys and court participants during or after the trial. You're not Chris Rock.

Not "scared" anymore   October 17th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

now that i have seen todays coverage i see what some people are talking about with the shaking...i dont think i have ever felt so many emotions at one time in my life. Like i said in another post, to start off i was extremely angry at my father that he could do this to a family that took him in and was from everything i've ever heard were very good to not only Ken but also my brother. I have also always had a problem with the fact that he has never really been held accountable for his actions. He always weasels his way out so when count 2 and 3 were read i was shocked and to be honest i was pissed. This day had been a long time coming ... when they got to counts 4 and on down the list i was extremely releaved ... happy that his day had finally come and he finally knew "he wasnt above the law " and wasnt going to walk out of the court room on his own free will. I was bouncing my leg becasue of nerves and trying to breath and stay calm ... i was discusted yet sad ... . No matter how much i dislike him or how scared i am of him or all the cruel and hateful things that he has done to our family and other families he is my father so there is a little sadness. Most of it is satisfaction with the result and anger towards him. I was trying to stay calm and not have an outburst of excitement!

Above someone asked about his son and they hoped someone stepped up to care for him and the answer is he is home where he belongs and is doing very well and is in great care!

Last thing was in today's reporting they asked how many kids Ken has and the correct answer is 4.

lotusjani   October 18th, 2008 10:02 am ET

The man looks scary and not very normal, he can not help his looks. The story sounds so complicated, was there some provocation from the stepmother? Sometimes women like to be admired and told how atractive they are, and some individuals take a "thank you" as a come on. Hopefully this kid will learn his lesson because I do not believe he was a white dove exactly either. Not blaming the lady or anyone, but I know for a fact how facts are greatly exaggerated in Court by the police and the District Attorney, no matter how light they are.

niki   October 18th, 2008 11:46 am ET

First of all, my heart goes out to both families, regardless of the verdict being just or not. It sounds like Davis' conduct caught up with him this time. I can not understand how anyone would comment on Scotty's intelligence level. I don't know how many adults that would have conducted themselves with such restraint. Yes he has problems, but his family is supporting him through it. Teenage depression is an epidemic in our country. I hope he finds his way. As for Davis, he was definitely guilty. It makes no sense that the jury would think if he made 4 pipe bombs, the first two were not of his doing. Common sense was not used in the jury room. What did they need a video tape of Davis placing the bombs in the house? The judge has a great deal of discretion here. Let's hope she puts him away for more than the 10 years she may opt for. Those not guilty findings may come back to haunt the family victims, when Davis is on the street sooner than he should be.

rick jacks   October 18th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Did anyone besides myself pick up on the babble from the purported police bomb squad expert who stated that the black electrical tape on the ignitors served no purpose? With that level of technical perspicacity, I find it hard to believe he has been working in this capacity for also two decades and is still alive and seems to have his fingers, arms, and legs.

jsthorne   October 18th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

make it a bit easier to find this site by placing it somewhere on tru tv's web site where it can be located..

nick

hucopps   October 21st, 2008 8:05 pm ET

Now it's Palin's turn. It's time to let America know how she was able to acquire a free ESTATE home made from the reminent materials of the eight million dollar hockey stadium that was built by one of her insider palls. A free house for a hugh contract.....hummmmm. It looks like Sarah's FAILin. That Moose is way too loose and out of control.

Scooter   October 24th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

What happened in the sentencing of Kenneth Reeves?

curious   October 30th, 2008 11:06 am ET

im curious too.. what did happen to the sentencing with ken? i havent heard anything, and i cant find any info about it.

rflower   October 30th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

To Not "scared" anymore, I'm glad that your not scared anymore. I know what it feels like to have someone who always seems to get away with everything. And he lies constantly and everybody believes him.
To the Davis family ,I'm glad that the truth came out and you were vindicated. It was a shame that he betrayed your trust in such a horrific way. I can understand how you might have been thinking that he was a police officer, and he might have been a good role model for your son.
I think that he should have been charged with not only child endangerment, but also attempted murder of a family. What if one of those bombs went off.
Sorry jurors I feel like you dropped the ball half way through the verdict. One, he could have entered the house at any time when they weren't home. And the father did say that he, Reeves hung a nail on a tree, and the key was there so that he could work on the air conditioning. They trusted him.
And I think that he had to take pictures of the pipe bombs so that he could explain his finger prints on the pipe bombs. And police are trained not to touch bombs. You call the bomb squad. Only the person that bulilt it would feel that comfortable handling it. Guilty, and I hope that the judge sentences you to life in jail with no possibility for parole.

jennifer   October 30th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

I can't figure out what happened with his sentencing. It was supposed to be last week, but I can't even find anything talking about it being pushed back. If anyone knows, please let us know.

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