Austin Davidson faces judge in day one of Cpl. Glenn Hilliard murder trial
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Monday marks day one of the State of Maryland versus Austin Jacob Allen Davidson. Davidson is accused of killing Wicomico County Sheriff’s Corporal Glenn Hilliard in the line of duty last year. Davidson is facing 18 charges in the case, including first- and second-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty.
Jury Selection Begins
Presiding Judge S. John Sarbanes, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes, and defense attorney Archibald McFadden combed through hundreds of potential jurors Monday. Ultimately, the panel will be made up of 12 jurors and three alternates.
As Wicomico County residents filed into the courtroom, Davidson averted his eyes, looking at his attorneys or down at the ground. Davidson wore black slacks, and a white button-up long-sleeved shirt, appearing in court clean-shaven with long hair partially covering his eyes.
As Judge Sarbanes asked Davidson to stand up and present himself to the potential jurors, he casually stood up, facing the group. When his attorneys approached the bench, Davidson followed, with his hands folded behind his back.
Judge Sarbanes asked the potential jurors questions about their potential biases; when he asked if anyone in the room had prior knowledge of the case, almost everyone stood up.
Expected Testimony, Penalties
Testimony is expected from Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, and several of his deputies and investigators. Also expected, is testimony from Maryland State Police, Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Special Investigator Scott Cook, Medical Examiner Dr. Pamela Ferreira, and a TidalHealth staffer.
Pittsville Volunteer Fire Company’s Chief, and Allegany County Corrections officials are also expected to testify. Testimony is also expected from several Pittsville, Federalsburg, Princess Anne, Pocomoke City, Delmar, Frederick, and Allegany County residents.
Cook tells 47 ABC WMDT that if Davidson is convicted of first-degree murder, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Davidson is also facing other charges out of Worcester, Somerset, and Wicomico Counties, and Baltimore.
Additional Charges in Jail
47 ABC WMDT also obtained court documents Monday, revealing that Davidson racked up additional charges while awaiting trial behind bars. In one incident, Davidson is accused of throwing his own urine on a correctional officer in Cumberland, saying “I’ll kill you just like the last cop that [expletive] with me”, and “I’m going to put you in the ground just like him,” end quote.
In another incident, Davidson is convicted of having a toothbrush sharpened into a shiv, and a shank with white linen coverings in his jail cell. It’s unclear yet how these incidents could come up in court.
