Shaniya Davis cause of death asphyxiation, autopsy shows she was raped (video)
The Shaniya Davis cause of death is asphyxiation and the autopsy revealed that the little five year old girl was raped. Mario Andrette McNeill has been charged with rape and first degree murder in addition to first degree kidnapping charges. A live press conference was held tonight at 8:00 p.m. and the additional charges were made public.
Reports state that Mario McNeill has remained in isolation since he surrendered to authorities on November 13, 2009, after being seen carrying Shaniya Davis in his arms in a hotel. Police say they do not believe that Shaniya Davis was killed inside the hotel.
[adsense]In addition to Mario McNeil, Shaniya Davis’ mother, Antoinette Nicole Davis, faces charges of filing a police report, human trafficking, and child abuse involving prostitution. More details regarding Antoinette Davis’ role in Shaniya’s death have not yet been made public. It is possible that she may also face additional charges as the investigation goes forward.
Antoinette Davis was arrested on November 14, 2009, the day following the arrest of Mario McNeill. Antoinette Davis reported Shaniya missing during the early morning hours of November 10, 2 009. Her body was found on November 16, 2009 in a forested area off of Highway 87 in Sanford, North Carolina.
The delay in additional charges was due to jurisdiction issues between Cumberland County and Lee County. Cumberland County is the county of Shaniya’s last known residence and Lee County is where her body was found. The case is being prosecuted through Cumberland County.
In the past several days, suspicion has arisen that Antoinette Davis gave her daughter to Mario McNeill as a way to pay off unresolved drug debts. Those allegations were not addressed during tonight’s press conference, though it has been stated that authorities continue to follow up on those suspicions and that they are part of the investigation.
A prayer vigil is planned for residents of the Sleepy Hollow Mobile Home Park where Shaniya Davis was staying with her biological mother, Antoinette Davis.
Full Video: Shaniya Davis Press Conference
