Christopher Davis criminal charges
Christopher Davis, convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Barry Schmalbach, filed an appeal for his conviction on May 22, 2026, in the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. As of May 22, 2026: Davis is appealing his conviction and sentence of life in prison plus 45 years, which he received after being found guilty on June 27, 2025. Davis was arrested in January 2023 for Schmalbach's murder, mistakenly released in January 2025, and subsequently re-arrested. Additionally, Dr. Christopher Davis faces over 90 charges, including rape and sexual assault, related to alleged misconduct with patients between 2022 and 2024, accused of coercing sexual acts for medication.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
May 2026 — 1 developments
Christopher Davis has filed appeals for his second-degree murder conviction in the death of Barry Schmalbach.
Christopher Davis has filed appeals for his second-degree murder conviction in the death of Barry Schmalbach. His case, *Davis v. State of Florida*, had a filing date of May 22, 2026, in the Florida Second District Court of Appeal. This follows a September 22, 2025, ruling that affirmed a previous decision.
April 2026 — 2 developments
Christopher Davis, who was found guilty of the murder of his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach, was arrested for murder in January 2023.
Christopher Davis, who was found guilty of the murder of his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach, was arrested for murder in January 2023. He was mistakenly released by East Carroll Parish officials in January 2025 and subsequently taken back into custody by the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.
Doctor Christopher Davis faces over ninety charges, including rape and sexual assault, related to alleged misconduct with patients between 2022 and 2024.
Doctor Christopher Davis faces over ninety charges, including rape and sexual assault, related to alleged misconduct with patients between 2022 and 2024. He is accused of coercing patients into sexual acts in exchange for medication.
March 2026 — 1 developments
A neighbor testified to hearing loud noises and a woman's voice saying "No, no, no" from Christopher Davis's apartment on the night his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach disappeared.
A neighbor testified to hearing loud noises and a woman's voice saying "No, no, no" from Christopher Davis's apartment on the night his boyfriend Barry Schmalbach disappeared. Another neighbor reported hearing sounds described as "someone losing their last breaths."
July 2025 — 1 developments
Prosecutors involved in the case reflected on the challenges of securing a conviction in a 'no-body'…
Prosecutors involved in the case reflected on the challenges of securing a conviction in a 'no-body' murder case, emphasizing the extensive circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies used.
June 2025 — 4 developments
Christopher Davis has been found guilty of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and multiple counts of fraud in the death of his boyfriend, Barry Schmalbach.
Christopher Davis has been found guilty of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and multiple counts of fraud in the death of his boyfriend, Barry Schmalbach. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching its verdict. Davis was sentenced to life in prison plus 45 years.
On the third day of the trial, witnesses testified about Christopher Davis's suspicious activities, …
On the third day of the trial, witnesses testified about Christopher Davis's suspicious activities, including the purchase of a tarp and the booking of an Airbnb, despite Barry Schmalbach's body never being found.
On the second day of Christopher Davis's murder trial, witnesses testified about surveillance footag…
On the second day of Christopher Davis's murder trial, witnesses testified about surveillance footage, financial records, and statements suggesting Davis used his boyfriend's identity after his disappearance, with investigators noting a three-hour period of phone inactivity.
The murder trial for Christopher Davis began in Lee County, Florida, with opening statements from the prosecution and defense.
The murder trial for Christopher Davis began in Lee County, Florida, with opening statements from the prosecution and defense.
January 2025 — 1 developments
An arrest warrant was formally issued for Christopher Davis in the murder case of Barry Schmalbach.
An arrest warrant was formally issued for Christopher Davis in the murder case of Barry Schmalbach.
January 2024 — 1 developments
Cape Coral police officially charged Christopher Davis with second-degree murder in connection with Barry Schmalbach's disappearance.
Cape Coral police officially charged Christopher Davis with second-degree murder in connection with Barry Schmalbach's disappearance.
July 2023 — 3 developments
Christopher Davis reported Barry Schmalbach missing to the police, but investigators found his account of events to be deceptive.
Christopher Davis reported Barry Schmalbach missing to the police, but investigators found his account of events to be deceptive.
Surveillance footage showed Christopher Davis purchasing cleaning supplies, including candles, air fresheners, chemical sprays, and a shovel, from a Walmart and Ace Hardware.
Surveillance footage showed Christopher Davis purchasing cleaning supplies, including candles, air fresheners, chemical sprays, and a shovel, from a Walmart and Ace Hardware. He also booked an Airbnb under a fake name in a remote wooded area.
Barry Schmalbach was last seen alive with his boyfriend, Christopher Davis, at a Cape Coral bar.
Barry Schmalbach was last seen alive with his boyfriend, Christopher Davis, at a Cape Coral bar. Prosecutors contend Schmalbach had expressed a desire to end the relationship.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Christopher Davis was arrested on January 17, 2023, in connection with the strangulation death of a woman identified as 24-year-old Tiana.
Christopher Davis was arrested on January 17, 2023, in connection with the strangulation death of a woman identified as 24-year-old Tiana. The victim was found dead on a Miami-Dade County street after allegedly being dragged from her car. The State Attorney’s Office confirmed the arrest.