Tessa Majors’ young killer locked up at Rikers for assault

The tragic murder of Barnard College student Tessa Majors in December 2019 sent shockwaves across New York City. The 18-year-old aspiring punk-rock musician was viciously attacked by three teenagers while walking through Morningside Park. The incident, which resulted in Majors fighting for her life and ultimately losing it, highlighted the dangers of juvenile violence in the city.

One of the teenagers involved in the murder, 13-year-old Zyairr Davis, was given a lenient sentence of 18 months in juvenile detention due to the Raise the Age law. This law, aimed at keeping children out of jail, raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18. However, Davis’s release did not deter him from a life of violence.

After his release, Davis was involved in another shocking crime in 2023. Along with two accomplices, he allegedly fired multiple shots into a crowd in Harlem as retaliation for another murder. Davis, now 16 at the time, was charged with attempted murder and was arrested for his role in the shooting.

Furthermore, Davis was involved in a fight at the Horizon Juvenile Detention Center, where he attacked a youth counselor with the Administration for Children’s Services. He was caught on video biting the counselor and was subsequently charged with assault and harassment. His behavior led to his transfer to Rikers Island.

Despite the efforts to rehabilitate Davis during his time in juvenile detention, it is clear that he continued down a path of violence upon his release. The lack of effective intervention and support for troubled youth like Davis raises questions about the effectiveness of laws like Raise the Age.

The tragic loss of Tessa Majors continues to haunt her family, who described her bravery and resilience during the attack. Majors fought fiercely for her life, trying to protect her belongings, including her iPhone containing years’ worth of songs she had written. Her parents highlighted the unimaginable pain and suffering she endured during the attack, shedding light on the devastating impact of juvenile violence in our communities.

The case of Zyairr Davis serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in addressing juvenile crime and the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent further tragedies like the murder of Tessa Majors.