Two Bristol Men Jailed Over Brutal Stabbing of Teenager Dontae Davis
vicious knife attack in Eastville
Two local men have been locked up for a savage stabbing assault on 18-year-old Dontae Davis in Eastville, Bristol. Rioul Scharschmidt, 21, and Romaine Mullings, 20, were found guilty at Bristol Crown Court on 7 March for the May 22, 2021 attack that left Dontae fighting for his life.
Multiple stab wounds but teen survives
The court heard how Davis suffered multiple knife wounds to his head, abdomen, and buttock from “fearsome” weapons. Despite the brutal assault, he survived but needed hospital treatment. Police later arrested Scharschmidt and Mullings the same day after the pair sought medical help for their own injuries sustained during the attack. Scharschmidt had a knife wound in his upper back, Mullings injuries to his neck and arm.
Harsh sentences handed down
On May 9, Scharschmidt was sentenced to five years and six months for wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon in public. Mullings received 20 months for wounding without intent and carrying an offensive weapon. Judge Edward Burgess slammed the defendants for their “disregard of human life” and the terrifying nature of the weapons used.
Tragic aftermath for victim’s family
Tragically, Dontae died in a separate stabbing just months later in October 2021. His killer is currently behind bars serving nine years for manslaughter. At sentencing, Dontae’s mother, Niquae, delivered an emotional impact statement, calling for tougher accountability to tackle knife crime and spare other families the grief they have endured.
As Scharschmidt and Mullings start their prison terms, Dontae’s family clings to hope that justice will bring closure and curb future violence in the community.
