By Mark F. Gray
Staff Writer
mgray@afro.com
A Prince George’s County jury will get the chance to determine whether it was the chicken or a beef that led to last month’s fatal stabbing at a Popeye’s restaurant in Oxon Hill.
Ricoh McClain, 30, of District Heights, was indicted in connection with the murder of Kevin Davis, who was killed on Nov. 4. The confrontation drew national attention because it coincided with the re-launch of the fast food chain’s popular chicken sandwich. McClain will face charges of common-law murder and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to kill following a fight after Davis cut in line at the fast-food restaurant, which apparently upset McClain.
Ricoh McClain, 30, was indicted in connection to the murder of Kevin Davis (pictured), who was killed outside a Popeyes in Oxon Hill on Nov. 4. (Courtesy Photo)
Davis, 28, fought McClain after their initial altercation in the lobby of the restaurant, which was overwhelmed by the large number of customers who visited in hopes of trying to purchase the popular menu item that had just been re-released. In order to accommodate the overflow crowd, management opened specific lines for people who just wanted to buy chicken sandwiches.
The published accounts say the altercation was initiated outside, but several eyewitnesses say that it began after an argument between McClain and Davis inside. Davis supposedly became upset with McClain because he jumped ahead of a woman in line and was verbally challenged about that. A fight ensued and led to this fatal conclusion.
Davis passed away roughly an hour later at a local hospital.
Prince George’s County Police state that a woman who was with McClain had been interviewed, but wasn’t charged. Police also said they had no reason to believe the men knew each other.
Police Chief Hank Stawinski initially said Davis entered the store at 6247 Livingston Road and cut through the line in a span of 15 minutes. After finally reaching the counter, McClain was confronted by Davis. Fifteen seconds later, he was on the sidewalk in front of the store with fatal stab wounds.
Ten days after the incident, McClain was apprehended and has been in custody since. Investigators reportedly used surveillance video, images, and accurate recounts from people in the community to identify him. A police officer recognized McClain from security footage and, since he was arrested, has been held without bond.
McClain was initially charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. Those charges were ammended to include a common law murder charge that allows the state to persue a conviction on a range of charges from manslaughter to first-degree murder, according to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s office.
Local residents rallied to help Davis’ family cover his final expenses. A GoFundMe drive organized by Yolanda Barnes two days after the fatal attack raised more than $10,533 of its $20,000 goal for his funeral costs, according to reports.
Davis was remembered by his friends on the fundraising page as “the light and heart of his family and friends, with a smile as bright as the sun. He thoroughly enjoyed life and lived every day to its fullest. He truly lived his best life.”