The Hunt for the Gulf Coast Casanova

The tale of Maurice Colly’s brutal murder and the subsequent hunt for his killer gripped the Gulf Coast community and beyond. Known as the “Gulf Coast Casanova,” Glen Davis’ capture after a multi-state manhunt marked the end of a chilling saga of betrayal and violence.

The Discovery of Maurice Colly

On March 8, 2012, 83-year-old Maurice Colly was found dead in the trunk of his own car during a welfare check by police in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Colly, a well-respected businessman and war veteran, had been missing for days. His body was discovered with his hands bound and his head wrapped in plastic, showing clear signs of a struggle. Initial investigations pointed to a robbery gone wrong, as several valuables were missing from his home.

Initial Suspects and Dead Ends

Early in the investigation, police focused on a suspicious couple living nearby. Despite their criminal records, their DNA and shoe prints did not match the evidence found at the crime scene, leading to their release. This misdirection wasted crucial time and resources, and the lead detective on the case was subsequently fired. The investigation returned to square one, and the pressure was on to find the real killer.

The Prime Suspect: Glen Davis

Glen Davis, Colly’s former lawnmower who had been fired months before, emerged as the prime suspect. Evidence began to mount against Davis when a Kmart receipt for gloves and cleaning supplies, dated after Colly’s murder, was linked to him. Security footage confirmed that Davis purchased these items, and further investigations revealed that he had borrowed a car matching the description of the one seen at ATM withdrawals made using Colly’s debit card.

The Alias ‘Gulf Coast Casanova’

Davis earned the moniker “Gulf Coast Casanova” due to his charming yet deceptive nature, which he used to manipulate and exploit various women across the Gulf Coast region. This transient lifestyle and ability to ingratiate himself with multiple women helped him evade law enforcement and enabled his criminal activities, including Colly’s murder. Davis’ pattern of romantic manipulation and the geographic breadth of his escapades made him infamous and led to his dramatic capture after a multi-state manhunt.

The Manhunt and Capture

The search for Davis spanned several states, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshals getting involved. A break in the case came when a tip revealed Davis’ whereabouts in Michigan. Local police found his shoes matched the prints at the crime scene, further cementing his guilt. On Aug. 5, 2012, Davis was finally apprehended in Michigan after months on the run. He was extradited to Mississippi and charged with murder and grand larceny.

Trial and Conviction

Davis’ trial began in August 2015. Despite his plea of not guilty, the evidence against him was overwhelming. The prosecution painted a picture of a manipulative and dangerous man who brutally killed Colly for financial gain. After a six-day trial, Davis was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The capture and conviction of Glen Davis brought some closure to the family and community that mourned Maurice Colly. This case, marked by its twists and turns, serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice and the eventual downfall of even the most cunning criminals.

References: Maurice Colly Murder: Where is Glen Davis Now? | Gulf Coast Casanova Killed 83-Year-Old Businessman: “He Definitely Suffered”