Murder Suspect Appears for Aniah's Law Hearing in Russell County

Willie James Davis Jr. accused of killing 52-year-old Continaer Evans after altercation with victim's sister

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A murder suspect appeared before a Russell County judge on Thursday for an Aniah's Law hearing. Willie James Davis Jr. is accused of shooting and killing 52-year-old Continaer Evans on Sunday night at her mother's house in Phenix City, Alabama, following a birthday party. Court testimony revealed that Davis and the victim's sister, Clorissa Robinson, had been in an on-and-off relationship for about 14 years, and the incident started when they got into an argument at Robinson's mother's home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the use of firearms, as well as the implementation of Aniah's Law in Alabama, which allows judges to deny bail for certain violent offenders deemed a danger to the community.

The details

Authorities say Davis pushed Robinson, and when the family tried to intervene, Davis allegedly pulled the trigger, shooting Evans in the stomach. Davis claims he used the gun because he doesn't hit women, but the district attorney argued that this "doesn't make sense" and that the shooting was "cold blooded murder". Investigators say Davis called 911 that night and admitted to shooting Evans. Davis' truck was also set on fire following the shooting, and that incident remains under investigation.

  • On Sunday night, the incident occurred at the victim's mother's house in Phenix City, Alabama, following a birthday party.
  • On Thursday, the murder suspect appeared before a Russell County judge for an Aniah's Law hearing.

The players

Willie James Davis Jr.

A murder suspect accused of shooting and killing 52-year-old Continaer Evans.

Continaer Evans

A 52-year-old woman who was shot and killed by the suspect.

Clorissa Robinson

The victim's sister, who had been in an on-and-off relationship with the suspect for about 14 years.

Rick Chancey

The Russell County District Attorney, who argued that the suspect should not receive bond because he is "dangerous" and has a history of threatening people with a gun.

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What they’re saying

“This man is dangerous. This man has already been found guilty of menacing with a gun, threatening someone with a gun less than a year ago. He was told don't do this kind of behavior and he was given a chance and look what he did, he killed somebody.”

— Rick Chancey, Russell County District Attorney (WTVM)

“He's waived a gun at other people. He threatened another woman with a gun. He's threatened many people, he's choked another woman at a bar not long ago.”

— Clorissa Robinson, Victim's sister (WTVM)

What’s next

The judge did not make a decision on issuing bond for the suspect on Thursday. The investigation into the fire that burned the suspect's truck following the shooting also remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the use of firearms, as well as the implementation of Aniah's Law in Alabama, which allows judges to deny bail for certain violent offenders deemed a danger to the community. It also raises questions about the suspect's history of violence and whether the criminal justice system did enough to prevent this tragic outcome.