Armed Robber Who Killed Clerk Sentenced To Life In Prison

An armed robber who killed a convenience store clerk in 2019 has been sentenced to life in prison for murder in Harris County. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated, “This defendant had no regard for anyone else when he used a gun to rob and steal, and now the victim’s family will never again see this hardworking and beloved woman.” Ogg added, “This agreement ensures that the defendant will spend decades in prison with no appeals.”

Marcus Kenneth Cox-Davis, 24, faced life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder for shooting 32-year-old Donna Peña, a mother of two who was killed while working at a gas station in northwest Harris County on March 8, 2019. DNA evidence collected from a hoodie left at the scene matched a DNA sample from Cox-Davis, leading to his arrest.

Cox-Davis chose to plead guilty to murder in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of parole. He must serve at least 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole. Assistant District Attorney Chandler Raine, who prosecuted the case alongside ADA Michael Hanover, remarked, “He gave this woman about two seconds to open the cash register before he opened fire, killing her. It is just an awful case, and this was the right decision for the victim’s family who want to put this ordeal behind them so they can mourn in peace.”