Jason Davis and Chad Nester Jr. had a plan to rob Steven Villiard when they barged into the 64-year-old's South Salt Lake home last month. But what started out as a home invasion led to first-degree felony murder charges for both men after the plot to steal from Villiard turned deadly Feb. 22.
Davis, 36, and Nester, 24, entered Villiard's home near 75 East and Claybourne Avenue (2700 South) and demanded the man give them money and the keys to a Volvo, according to charging documents filed Tuesday in 3rd District Court.
Davis pointed a gun at Villiard during the robbery, and Villiard grabbed a baseball bat to defend himself, charges state. Davis and Villiard argued, and Davis shot Villiard once in the chest.
Davis ransacked Villiard's pockets as the man lay dying on his living room floor, charges state. Finding nothing, he turned to a woman in Villiard's house, pointed a gun at her and asked her for money.
The woman gave Davis $2 from her wallet and Davis left, according to charges.
Davis and Nester went to a hotel on the 1000 South block of Main Street in Salt Lake City following the killing. The two wrapped the handgun used in Villiard's slaying in electrical tape and then showered, charges state.
The two men proceeded to throw the gun and bloody clothes away, according to charges.
Police arrested Davis two days after Villiard's death. The man confessed to the crime, South Salt Lake police Lt. Gary Keller previously said. Nester was arrested four days after the shooting, police said.
Davis and Nester are each charged with first-degree felony murder, two counts of first-degree felony robbery, first-degree felony aggravated burglary, second-degree felony obstructing justice and possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.
Both men have been convicted of prior felonies. They are being held in the Salt Lake County jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
