FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2026
MOBILE, Alabama – A Mobile County jury has found Stephen Davis Jr. guilty of Manslaughter in the 2018 death of Carol Dowdlan, announced District Attorney Keith Blackwood.
Davis was originally charged with Murder. Following deliberations, the jury returned a verdict of guilty on the lesser-included offense of Manslaughter.
Evidence presented at trial showed that during a domestic dispute at their shared apartment on May 28, 2018, Davis stabbed Dowdlan multiple times. Dowdlan later died from her injuries after suffering ten stab wounds, including two to the heart. Testimony established that Davis used two different knives during the attack, and investigators recovered three knives from the scene.
District Attorney Keith Blackwood issued the following statement:
“Carol Dowdlan lost her life during a violent confrontation that should never have happened. While no verdict can undo the pain her family has endured, today’s conviction represents accountability for her death. I want to thank the jury and the prosecution team for their dedication to seeking justice in this case.”
Sentencing for Stephen Davis Jr. is scheduled for July 16, 2026.
The State of Alabama was represented by Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ensor, Trial Coordinator Melissa McCracken, Investigator Todd Partin and Victim Service Officer Leigha Arthur.