Davis was serving his sentence at Shawangunk Correctional Facility near the Ulster County hamlet of Wallkill. At approximately 7 p.m. on February 20, 2008, a correctional officer overseeing the block yard noticed inmates congregating around an argument between two inmates. When the officer went to break it up, he found Davis using his walking cane to fend off an inmate from attacking him with a 9 inch (23 cm) long metal shiv. Davis was unsuccessful and was stabbed numerous times. The officer called for assistance and the attacker was restrained and taken to the Special Housing Unit to remain in segregated custody. Davis was taken to the facility infirmary where first aid was rendered. Davis lost much blood, lost consciousness and eventually showed no vital signs. Not being a trauma level infirmary, the supervising nurse called for an emergency transport by ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital in nearby Newburgh, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.