Gone South: S4|E33 - Defending Len Davis
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Jed Lipinski
Introduction
In Season 4, Episode 33 of Gone South, host Jed Lipinski delves deep into the harrowing case of Len Davis, once dubbed the "Desire Terrorist," arguably the most corrupt police officer in New Orleans history. This episode explores Davis's journey from a celebrated cop to a convicted murderer and drug dealer, the systemic corruption within the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the tireless efforts of his defense attorney, Pat Fanning, to navigate the murky waters of justice.
Background: Who is Len Davis?
Len Davis was born in Chicago and moved to New Orleans as a child. Joining the NOPD in the mid-1980s, Davis quickly gained a notorious reputation. By 1992, between 1987 and 1992, he faced multiple suspensions and over a dozen citizen complaints for brutality and intimidation. Despite these issues, Davis was awarded the NOPD's Medal of Merit, highlighting the complex duality of his character and actions within the force.
Pat Fanning [04:11]: "There was always an atmosphere, a culture in the New Orleans PD where rules were broken on a regular basis."
Corruption Within the NOPD
Pat Fanning, a seasoned criminal defense attorney, provides insight into the endemic corruption plaguing the NOPD. He explains how declining hiring standards, nepotism, and systemic issues fostered an environment ripe for misconduct.
Pat Fanning [04:11]: "If you grabbed a dope deal and he had $5,000 in his pocket, you took $4,000 and gave him $1,000... because if you went and ratted you out, you say, well, how stupid is that?"
This culture of corruption was exacerbated by the crack epidemic and increasing violence in New Orleans during the early 1990s, setting the stage for extensive illicit activities within the police ranks.
The Murder of Kim Groves
In October 1994, a pivotal event unfolded when Kim Groves, a 32-year-old mother of three, filed an internal affairs complaint against Len Davis after witnessing him and his partner, Sammy Williams, assaulting a teenager. Shortly after, Groves was brutally murdered.
Major Garrett [19:16]: "Len's former partner later testified that upon hearing that Groves had been killed, Len started jumping up and down in joy."
FBI wiretaps captured Davis ordering the hit on Groves, solidifying the case against him. Despite overwhelming evidence, including his partner's testimony and video surveillance, Davis maintained his innocence, asserting that Groves had fabricated the complaint to frame him.
Operation Shattered Shield: Uncovering the Corruption
The FBI's Operation Shattered Shield was a significant investigation aiming to dismantle corruption within the NOPD. An informant revealed that Davis and other officers were involved in a drug protection racket, leading to a massive sting operation.
Pat Fanning [16:55]: "The FBI swoops in on the scene, and they set up this warehouse and they bring this undercover agent from out of town in with a gang of guys."
Undercover operations led to the capture of incriminating conversations and video evidence, painting a damning picture of Davis's involvement in protecting drug dealers and orchestrating murders.
Defending Len Davis: Pat Fanning's Approach
Pat Fanning took on Davis's defense at a time when his client was facing not one, but two federal charges: murder and drug trafficking. Despite the seemingly insurmountable evidence, Fanning was determined to provide a robust defense.
Initial Representation and Legal Challenges
Initially, Davis had fired two lawyers, but Judge Feldman appointed Fanning due to his extensive experience and reputation. Fanning recognized that Davis was essentially "doomed" given his death sentence and the plethora of evidence against him.
Pat Fanning [09:09]: "I wasn't afraid of a guy like that... I was raised in a blue-collar neighborhood... I wasn't some blue blood in there appointed to represent him from some big firm or something."
Building the Defense
Fanning adopted a unique strategy by allowing Davis to actively participate in his defense, contrasting with his previous attorneys who had sidelined him.
Pat Fanning [09:39]: "So what I did was whatever he wanted... we did it. And so he and I got along famously."
He questioned the integrity of the FBI and NOPD, suggesting that their handling of the evidence was either incompetent or intentionally misleading.
Pat Fanning [26:42]: "The FBI takes credit for coming down here and uncovering this corruption. But, you know, remember FBI? Remember what it stands for? Famous but incompetent."
The Trial in New Orleans
Fanning faced the daunting task of defending Davis in a city where he was infamous. Prejudgment was rampant, with 49 out of 50 prospective jurors being aware of Davis's reputation.
Pat Fanning [25:10]: "How are you going to get a fair jury?"
Despite filing motions to move the trial to a different jurisdiction, the judge denied these requests, ensuring that the trial would occur in New Orleans, under intense public scrutiny.
The Murder Trial and Sentencing
In April 1996, under immense pressure and with substantial evidence against him, Len Davis was convicted of the murder of Kim Groves and sentenced to death—a landmark case as one of the first instances of a police officer receiving the death penalty for killing a private citizen.
The Drug Trafficking Trial
Eight months later, Davis faced a separate federal drug trafficking trial. Given his death sentence, Fanning was aware that success could be elusive, but he committed to providing the best defense possible.
Pat Fanning [23:59]: "When we picked the jury in Len's case... but they all say, oh, no, I'll be fair."
Davis was ultimately found guilty of running a cocaine protection racket, receiving a life sentence plus five years, to run concurrently with his death sentence.
The Commutation Attempt
In late December 2024, President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates, including Len Davis, converting his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole. Surprisingly, Davis filed a motion to block this commutation, arguing that remaining on death row provided a better pathway to overturning his conviction.
Pat Fanning [30:02]: "Len says, either I can stay in a nice one-man cell with nice meals and it's quiet and I don't have to worry about getting shanked, or they can put me in general population. And I'm getting old now and I got to fight my way through this."
The Supreme Court denied Davis's motion in January 2025, leaving him to serve his life sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Insights and Reflections
Gone South not only chronicles the unraveling of Len Davis but also sheds light on the broader issues of police corruption, systemic failures in the justice system, and the complexities of defending a figure as controversial as Davis. Through intimate interviews and detailed accounts, the episode underscores the human element behind high-profile crimes and the enduring quest for justice in the Southern United States.
Notable Quotes
- Major Garrett [19:16]: "Len's former partner later testified that upon hearing that Groves had been killed, Len started jumping up and down in joy."
- Pat Fanning [26:42]: "The FBI takes credit for coming down here and uncovering this corruption. But, you know, remember FBI? Remember what it stands for? Famous but incompetent."
- Pat Fanning [30:02]: "Len says, either I can stay in a nice one-man cell with nice meals and it's quiet and I don't have to worry about getting shanked, or they can put me in general population."
Conclusion
The "Defending Len Davis" episode of Gone South offers a gripping exploration of one man's fall from grace amidst institutional corruption and relentless legal battles. Through Pat Fanning's unwavering defense and the intricate portrayal of Davis's complexities, listeners gain a profound understanding of the challenges within the criminal justice system and the enduring impact of corruption on both individuals and communities.
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