Tonight on The True Crime Pod: A young girl plays dead to survive a horrific attack, protecting her baby brother while a hitman murders her family. But who hired him, and why?

*Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence and murder, including violence against children. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Welcome to The True Crime Pod. I'm your host, and today we're diving into a devastating case from Houston, Texas, that showcases both the darkest and most resilient aspects of human nature.

In June of two thousand and twenty-one, the Carhee-Lagway family seemed to be living a normal life in their Houston apartment. Gregory Carhee, thirty-five years old, and his wife Donyavia Lagway, twenty-nine years old, were raising their children together, including their six-year-old daughter Harmoney. Donyavia was pregnant, adding to their growing family's joy. But beneath the surface, a deadly plot was unfolding.

What nobody knew at the time was that Donyavia had previously been involved in an affair with a woman named Alexus Chenelle Williams. When Donyavia ended the relationship to return to her husband, Williams allegedly set in motion a chain of events that would end in unimaginable tragedy.

According to prosecutors, Williams hired thirty-year-old Xavier Davis as a hitman. His target? Not just Donyavia, but her entire family. What happened next would shock the Houston community to its core.

In the apartment on Fondren Road, Davis carried out his deadly mission. But in an extraordinary twist of fate, the family's ten-year-old daughter would become both a witness and a hero. After being critically injured, she made the split-second decision to play dead. When Davis threw her baby brother across the room, she shielded him with her own body, saving both their lives while her parents and six-year-old sister Harmoney were murdered.

The investigation moved swiftly. Both Davis and Williams were arrested, with Davis facing capital murder charges. In a dramatic moment this March, just before opening statements, Davis pleaded guilty to the murders of Donyavia Lagway, Gregory Carhee, and young Harmoney Carhee.

The jury trial lasted ten days, with the state presenting its evidence until April fourth. The defense followed with their testimony, concluding on April sixteenth. Yesterday, the jury returned their verdict: Xavier Davis was sentenced to death.

As for Alexus Williams, she's currently awaiting her day in court, charged with capital murder. Her pre-trial hearing is scheduled for later this month.

This case reminds us of the devastating ripple effects of violence, but also of the incredible strength of survivors. That ten-year-old girl's quick thinking and bravery saved two lives that day, including her baby brother's.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE. You can find more resources and information about this case on our website at thetruecrimepod.com.

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