Gorman's Grab Bag

A Michael Davis sighting

Perhaps it was time that allowed him to digest what he is actually facing, or maybe it was the shave and haircut, but Michael Davis looked today like he knew what was going on.

The last time I saw him, just a couple of days after he was arraigned, he looked the proverbial deer in the headlights. But today he even looked like he was putting on some weight. Maybe the jail fare agrees with him.

Judge R. Scott Krichbaum granted a request by one of Davis' lawyers, Martin Yavorcik, to drop off the case because he is running for prosecutor as an independent against the lawyer prosecuting the case -- County Prosecutor Paul Gains.

Can you imagine that campaign, in the fall during the tentative trial date, if Yavorcik stayed on? They could debate in court and then later on on the campaign trail.

Krichbaum granted the request, and seemed to be in a jovial mood. Not that he doesn't take it seriously, but I've noticed with him the bigger the case, the more yuking around on his part. Perhaps it's a way to relieve stress.

Davis spoke firmly when asked if he understood what was going on by Krichbaum. That long awaited competency evaluation has yet to be ordered, but I'm sure it's coming.

James Gentile, Davis' other attorney, also said the defense has inspected the fire scene and he mentioned it can be torn down now. Whenever that happens, it will be a circus, that is one thing you can count on.