Manslaughter suspect charged in Carson City jail assault

A Dayton man in jail on a charge of manslaughter was additionally booked in the alleged assault of a fellow inmate Thursday.

The new charge of felony battery by a prisoner was added to Donald Lee Davis' booking sheet following the 3:40 p.m. fight in the Carson City Jail. Davis, 21, was already in custody for the June 15, River Road shooting death of Zack Warren, 18.

According to jail records, Deputy John Fry saw Davis and fellow inmate Michael Menke, fist fighting in the jail intake pod.

When deputies arrived, Davis and Menke offered no resistance and were separated.

According to Deputy Jason Bueno, when he reviewed the jail's surveillance video it allegedly showed Davis standing, apparently yelling at Menke, then allegedly running at Menke and striking him.

"Menke tried to cover himself with his hands and arms as Davis continued to strike," Bueno wrote. "Davis then grabbed a hold of Menke and kneed him."

Menke allegedly stated the two had exchanged words, but did not elaborate. A witness statement was not available Friday.

Menke, 24, has been in custody since June 27 on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, jaywalking, failure to obey police, and eluding and resisting officers with violence.

Davis is being held on suspicion of felony involuntary manslaughter, felon in possession of a firearm and aiming a firearm at another.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.