SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 13, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — A collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia helped officials identify a man in a first-degree felony rape case.
A probable cause statement from the 3rd District Court of Salt Lake County said Robert Joseph Davis, 45, is facing charges of:
- Aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony
- Rape, a first-degree felony
- Aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony
- Aggravated assault, a second-degree felony
On April 27, Murray City police responded to a report of a sex offense, where the victim had an injury on her left hand between the thumb and forefinger. The victim advised that an unknown male had sexually assaulted her. She was transported to Intermountain Medical Center for an examination.
Once at the hospital, it was found that the injury to her hand would require stitches, the statement said. A rape kit was collected and has been submitted for processing.
She told the arresting officer she was in the area of the Midvale Cemetery about two hours before dark when she observed a man in an aqua-colored vehicle driving around her. She advised that this vehicle had passed by her three times prior to stopping.
The man, later identified as Davis, asked her if she wanted a ride, and she got into the car “to cruise,” the statement said. The victim said they went to various locations in the Salt Lake Valley. She stated that they then went to the man’s apartment in Murray.
Once the two were in the apartment, Davis allegedly began to perform a sex act, and the victim said she told him: “Are you serious right now?” then stood up and began to collect her property to leave. She told officials the suspect then stood up with a knife in his hands. He told her: “you’re going to do it whether you like it or not.” She said she was afraid Davis was going to stab her, so she grabbed the knife with her left hand and Davis then drew back his arm, cutting her hand.
He then allegedly sexually assaulted her, with the knife held against her neck, the statement said.
She advised that she fled the apartment with her pants still below her waist, and Davis told her to stop then followed her out of the apartment. The victim left her property inside the apartment.
The victim told officials Davis had a large collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia including a large Yoda figurine.
A warrant was served on his apartment and the interior appeared as the victim had described including the “Star Wars” memorabilia, the statement said. After being read his Miranda rights, Davis denied knowing the victim or recognizing her photograph.
“Due to the violent nature of this offense, and his self admitted pattern of picking up homeless females and taking them to his home, Robert clearly poses a substantial danger to the public and the community where he resides,” the statement said.
Davis was transported to Salt Lake County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
