Tragic Loss: Remembering Arkmayer Davis After a Heartbreaking Attack

A Heartbreaking Incident on Christmas Eve

The Bronx community is mourning the loss of Arkmayer Davis, a 36-year-old gay man who was tragically stabbed to death on Christmas Eve. Reports indicate that the perpetrator, who has since been apprehended, directed anti-gay slurs and threats at Arkmayer before the attack, although hate crimes charges have yet to be filed.

Daris Davis, Arkmayer's heartbroken husband, shared his grief and disbelief over the senseless nature of the crime. Speaking to local news, he said, "He was so miserable, but we had nothing to do with his misery. He took my heart away." This devastating loss has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved Arkmayer.

Background: A Community in Crisis

Before the tragic incident, Arkmayer and Daris were living in a homeless shelter. Their situation became dire after their apartment was destroyed in a fire on December 2, which consumed most of their personal belongings. The couple, trying to rebuild their lives, found themselves alongside their eventual attacker, Kayjon Yizar, who had also lost his home in the same fire.

According to Daris, Yizar unjustly blamed them for the fire and had harbored animosity towards the couple for some time. Daris recounted past encounters where Yizar used hateful language and made threats against them, revealing a history of hostility that culminated in the tragic events of Christmas Eve.

The Attack: A Night of Horror

On the night of the attack, Daris had last seen Arkmayer at a laundromat. It was only later, upon returning to the shelter, that he discovered his husband unconscious and severely injured. Arkmayer had suffered multiple stab wounds to his arm, leg, and torso. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries on the floor of their shelter room, leaving Daris and their community in shock and mourning.

"I came up to him, I shook him. I tried to wake him up and I see that he wasn’t moving," Daris recounted. "I looked at his stomach. He wasn’t breathing and I could tell you he had no pulse and he was bleeding out." It was a harrowing moment that Daris will never forget.

Seeking Justice: The Aftermath

After the attack, Daris assisted the police in identifying Yizar, who was captured on surveillance footage outside the shelter. Yizar has since been arrested and is currently in custody, facing charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon. However, the absence of hate crime charges has sparked concern within the LGBTQ+ community.

Daris expressed his hope for justice, stating, "I’m glad that he’s gonna get served the justice that he rightfully deserves. I feel like he should get the death penalty and, if not, life in prison and without no parole. He should never have a chance to see daylight again." His desire for justice is a testament to the pain and anger felt by those who have been affected by this senseless act of violence.

Community and Family Reactions

Gertrude Davis, Arkmayer's mother, has also spoken out in the wake of her son's death. Holding a picture of Arkmayer outside the courthouse, she described him as a "loving, caring man" who "ain’t hurt no one." Her words serve as a reminder of the profound loss felt by his family and the broader community.

"Parents, hold on to your kids. There are monsters out here," Gertrude warned, highlighting the fears that many parents have for their LGBTQ+ children in a world that can still be hostile and dangerous.

The tragedy has resonated with the LGBTQ+ community and allies, prompting discussions about safety, justice, and the ongoing fight against hate. As the case progresses, there is hope that justice will be served, and that Arkmayer’s memory will inspire change and greater protection for all marginalized communities.

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