Alleged East Price Hill murderer could face death penalty

CINCINNATI - A man could face the death penalty after he allegedly beat and stabbed a 79-year-old East Price Hill man last month, which led to the victim’s death.

On Monday, a Hamilton County grand jury indicted 47-year-old Daniel Davis on two counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder for his alleged role in the death of 79-year-old John “Jack” Lauck. Davis was also indicted on one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated burglary.

Davis was charged with the death of Lauck, who was found dead at his home in the 500 block of Purcell Avenue on Aug. 19. Lauck’s death was ruled a homicide after officials said he had been repeatedly beaten, stabbed and stomped, according to a news release from Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters.

The Hamilton County Coroner said Lauck sustained stab wounds to the neck and chest and he had also been strangled.

Lauck had hired Davis to do odd jobs around his East Price Hill home. Davis went to Lauck’s home rob him for money to support his heroin addiction, according to officials. Investigators recovered some of Lauck’s DNA from blood spatter on Davis’ shoes, which led to his arrest.

“How sad is it when someone kind like Mr. Lauck tries to help someone like Davis and then ends up brutally murdered,” Deters said in a news release. “Davis’ own brother is quoted as saying that Davis is a ‘piece of human garbage.’ I could not agree more.”

Additionally, Davis is being charged as a repeat violent offender after a 1986 rape conviction.

Officials have not released any additional details at this time.

Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for updates as they become available.