Small Town Murder – Episode #578: Video Poker Playboy Murder - Lake Charles, Louisiana

Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #578 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the mysterious and tragic case of Brian Davis from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Combining their signature comedic flair with in-depth research, the duo explores the intricate details surrounding Davis's untimely death, the ensuing investigation, and the courtroom drama that followed.

Lake Charles, Louisiana: A Town Under the Microscope

James Pietragallo (00:26) begins by painting a vivid picture of Lake Charles, emphasizing its geographical location and socioeconomic backdrop:

“Lake Charles, it's in southwestern Louisiana, about three hours from New Orleans and two hours from Houston. Population around 83,444, with a median household income significantly below the national average.”

The town’s dual identity as a hub for petrochemical industries and a spot for outdoor activities creates a unique but challenging environment for its residents.

Population & Economy:

• Population: ~83,444 (70,000 at the time of the murder)
• Median Household Income: $49,009 (national average: $69,000)
• Median Home Cost: $179,400

Nicknames:

• “Louisiana's Playground” – A nod to its vibrant and sometimes wild lifestyle.
• “The Lake Area” – Highlighting its natural attractions.

Historical Context: James provides a brief history, noting Lake Charles's resilience in rebuilding after various natural disasters, including significant hurricanes and tornadoes, which have repeatedly tested the community's strength.

Brian Davis: The Victim’s Portrait

James Petregallo (14:00) introduces Brian Davis, detailing his personal life and interests:

• Full Name: William Davis, goes by Brian
• DOB: July 9, 1969
• Hometown: Independence, Louisiana
• Occupation: Sales Manager at Union National Life Insurance Company (since 2000)
• Marital Status: Married to Robin Little Davis since 2008 (Brian's third marriage)
• Children: Three — Douglas, Danielle, and Darla
• Hobbies: Fishing, target shooting, golf, karaoke, and notably, video poker

Brian’s passion for video poker is a significant element in understanding his financial struggles, particularly his mounting debt from gambling.

Robin Little Davis: The Wife with Secrets

Robin Little Davis (16:00) is portrayed as Brian’s third wife, formerly married to another man whom she kept on her medical insurance post-divorce. This decision becomes a focal point in unraveling the motives behind Brian’s murder.

Key Details:

• Marital History: Second marriage for Robin
• Financial Status: Overdrawn bank accounts, significant overdrafts, and lack of homeowner's insurance
• Gambling Habits: Regular patron of KD's Diner's video poker machines alongside Brian
• Affiliation: Close relationship with Sissy Saltzman, a woman living in their cramped trailer home

Robin's financial irresponsibility and secret life become crucial leads in the investigation.

Sissy Saltzman: The Enigmatic Housemate

Sissy Saltzman (17:50) is depicted as Robin’s best friend who cohabits with the couple without contributing financially. Her presence raises suspicions, especially given her prior relationship with Robin and questionable behavior:

• Living Situation: Resides in the Davis household without paying rent or buying groceries
• Alibi: Claims to have undergone eye surgery on the day of the murder
• Relationship with Robin: Described as a “second mom” by Kelsey, Robin’s daughter

Sissy’s involvement becomes a pivotal point as inconsistencies in her statements emerge during the investigation.

The Night of the Murder: Chronology of Events

On June 29, 2009, Brian Davis disappeared under suspicious circumstances:

1. Afternoon Plans: Brian and Robin went boat shopping, ostensibly to alleviate their financial woes.

2. Truck Trouble: Brian drove his Honda Accord to Beaumont, Texas, despite claims of wheel trouble, which seemed illogical given the car’s previous issues.

3. Discovery: Brian's body was found less than a mile from a secluded ATV trail on a dirt road. He had sustained four gunshot wounds — three to the torso and one to the head.

4. Murder Scene Insights:

   • Vehicle Status: Trunk and doors open, spare tire on the ground, indicating a staged flat tire.
   • Personal Items: Brian’s driver’s license and a valuable ring were still on his person, but his firearm, GPS, and laptop were missing.
   • Clues: Lack of DNA evidence and the absence of the murder weapon at the scene hindered early investigation efforts.

James Pietragallo (33:31) narrates the discovery:

“The trunk and doors were open, looking like a mid-tire change. But this being a secluded area, it's clear something much darker had occurred.”

Investigation: Unearthing the Truth

James and Jimmy navigate through the investigation's complexities, highlighting key evidence and theories:

Financial Motives:

• Insurance Policies: Initially reported only two policies worth $130,000, later discovered to total $645,000. Robin received substantial life insurance payouts both from Brian and her previous husband’s accidental death.

• Bank Records: Multiple overdrafts and large cash withdrawals at gaming establishments point to Robin and Sissy’s possible financial desperation.

Cell Phone Records:

• Robin’s Movements: Inconsistent cell tower pings place Robin near the murder scene during the time of the shooting, despite her claims of being elsewhere.

• Fanny Dietz's Alibi: Robin's mistress, Fanny, and her husband, Shane Dietz, have alibis placing them away from the scene. However, the cell records show unusual gaps, raising suspicions about their involvement or potential alliances.

Forensic Evidence:

• Fingerprints: Only Robin’s fingerprints were found on the car’s sun visor mirror. No female DNA was recovered from the scene.

• Ammunition and Firearm: A box of ammunition linked to Brian was found at home. Ballistics suggested the gun used was Brian’s own, aligning with his history as a shooting enthusiast.

Theoretical Framework: James explains the prosecution’s theory that Robin and Sissy conspired to murder Brian to secure financial gains from the insurance payouts. The staged flat tire was intended to lure Brian to a secluded location where they could execute the plan.

“They spiked the tire to make Brian seek help, and when he was alone, they took him down,” (James, 68:12).

Courtroom Drama: The Trial and Verdict

Trial Proceedings:

• Prosecution’s Argument: Presented compelling circumstantial evidence — financial motives, inconsistent statements, and the cell tower data — to establish Robin and Sissy’s involvement.

• Defense’s Counter: Emphasized the lack of direct evidence, aiming to create reasonable doubt. They proposed alternative theories, such as Brian’s potential involvement in illegal activities or accidental death, to undermine the prosecution's case.

Verdict: In 2011, despite the defense’s arguments, both Robin Davis and Sissy Saltzman were found guilty of second-degree murder by a non-unanimous jury (11 to 1), as Louisiana did not require unanimous verdicts until 2019.

“Life without parole for both of them,” (James, 78:40).

Post-Trial Developments:

• Appeals: Attempts to appeal the verdict were dismissed by the Louisiana Supreme Court and later by the US Supreme Court.

• Public and Family Reaction: Brian’s mother criticized the jury for not thoroughly examining the staged evidence, particularly the flat tire that remained inflated throughout the trial.

Conclusion: A Lingering Mystery

Despite the conviction, lingering doubts remain about the sufficiency of evidence tying Robin and Sissy directly to Brian’s murder. The reliance on circumstantial evidence, coupled with the complexities of cell tower data and financial transactions, leaves room for speculation and debate.

James reflects on the case’s unresolved aspects, questioning the robustness of the prosecution’s evidence and the rapidity with which the couple benefited from insurance payouts.

“They both maintain their innocence, and the evidence was heavily circumstantial. It’s a tough case where logic and emotion collide,” (James, 77:32).

The episode wraps up by highlighting the ongoing public intrigue surrounding the case, inviting listeners to ponder the true motives and the justice served.

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo (03:33): “We have a wild story today. This is really 10 pounds of murder in a two-pound bag.”

• Jimmy Wissman (07:39): “So very not great area. I mean, it's swampy, it's. It's not a good place.”

• Robin Davis (from the trial): “I'd like to continue fighting for my freedom.”

• James Pietragallo (78:40): “Life without parole for both of them.”

Final Thoughts

Small Town Murder offers a gripping exploration of the Brian Davis case, blending investigative storytelling with the hosts' relatable humor. While the episode concludes with a conviction, it leaves listeners questioning the complexities of justice and the thin lines between evidence and assumption in small-town mysteries.

For more episodes and detailed analyses of other intriguing cases, tune in every Thursday to Small Town Murder.