Convicted ringleader in torture slaying of couple in Knoxville, Tenn., sentenced to death

Man sentenced to death in Tenn. torture slaying

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee man convicted of kidnapping, rape and murder charges in the fatal carjacking of a couple on a date has been sentenced to death.

The defendant, 28-year-old Lemaricus Davidson, showed no reaction Friday as jurors announced the death sentences for the murders of 21-year-old college student Channon Christian and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Christopher Newsom.

Davidson was found guilty of abducting the couple in Knoxville during a 2007 carjacking by several armed men.

Both were raped, Newsom was fatally shot and Christian suffocated after she was choked and stuffed in a garbage bag and trash can.

Davidson’s brother was convicted in the same attack in August and is serving life in prison without parole. Two other defendants from Kentucky are awaiting trial.

(This version CORRECTS lead to reflect that Davidson was convicted of kidnapping, rape and murder charges in the case, but was not convicted of raping the male victim.)