What the Gervonta Davis Case Reveals About Recanting Domestic Violence Allegations

According to reporting from the South Florida Sun Sentinel, professional boxer Gervonta Davis was arrested in Parkland after his girlfriend called 911 and told the operator he was “trying to kill” her. A responding Broward Sheriff’s deputy alleged in an arrest affidavit that Davis struck her on the right side of her head, causing an abrasion to the inside of her lip. Davis was arrested and later released on bond.

Days later, through her attorney, Lindsay Lawrence Chase of Fort Lauderdale, the woman issued a statement saying that neither she nor her daughter was harmed and that the couple has begun counseling. She described the relationship as “in a fragile space” and said both she and Davis were at fault for the argument. She also expressed that the situation becoming public was “the last thing” she wanted.

Despite her new statement, Broward County records show that the domestic violence charge remained in place at the time of the report, and Davis continued to deny any wrongdoing on social media.

Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel, “Boxer’s girlfriend reverses course, says no one was hurt,” Dec. 30, 2022.

Why This Matters for Domestic Violence Charges in Florida

This case highlights something that happens frequently in Florida domestic violence cases: a person calls 911 in a moment of fear or anger, then later wants to “take it back” or clarify what happened. Even when an alleged victim recants or changes their story, prosecutors can still move forward using 911 recordings, officer observations, photographs, and other evidence.

For anyone accused of domestic violence, that means your case does not simply disappear because the other person no longer wants to press charges. Early, strategic representation from an experienced Fort Lauderdale domestic violence defense attorney can make a critical difference in how the State views the evidence, how bond and no-contact conditions are handled, and whether your side of the story is fully and fairly presented.

If you are under investigation or have been arrested on a domestic violence charge in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach County, do not wait to see what happens next. Speak with a skilled domestic violence defense lawyer in South Florida who understands how to handle recanting witnesses, high-profile media attention, and the long-term impact these accusations can have on your record, your career, and your family.