Suspect in 1980 rape case declared indigent

A prison inmate charged with the 1980 rape of a Southeast Missouri State University student was found indigent by a public defender Monday.

Daryl K. Davis is accused of breaking into the student's basement apartment and raping her at knife point.

DNA evidence implicated Davis in the 1980 case. He already is serving nine life sentences for a series of sexual assaults in St. Louis County.

Davis had been scheduled for arraignment April 22, but his incomprehensible response to routine questions about his legal representation prompted Judge Gary Kamp to continue the case to May 6. Court records show the case then was continued to Monday to give Davis time to complete an application for a public defender.

During the April 22 hearing, Kamp asked Davis -- who appeared in court via a satellite link from the prison in Potosi, Mo. -- whether he planned to hire his own lawyer, whether he wanted to request a public defender and whether he planned to represent himself.

At the time, Davis mumbled, "No," in response to all three questions.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for June 4.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, Mo.