(Woodland, CA) –On October 29, 2024, Henry “Harry” Stanley, a 37-year-old resident of Davis, was convicted of violating California Penal Code section 422 – Criminal Threats and section 273.5 – Infliction of Injury Domestic Violence. The jury could not reach a decision on a third felony charge. The jury also found true aggravating circumstances of the victim being particularly vulnerable, great violence, and that Mr. Stanley took advantage of a position of trust. The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Michelle Serafin.
The Victim, Megan Marie Duncanson Stanley, had been in a relationship with the Defendant for seven years. On July 9, 2024, Megan called 911 and whispered into the phone her husband was going to kill her. Throughout the 911 call, Megan speaks in a low volume providing information regarding her husband assaulting her and threatening to kill her. Eventually, the 911 dispatcher used a text messaging option so Megan could communicate without fear that Mr. Stanley would hear her words. Megan described having injuries and wanted the 911 Dispatcher to say that the neighbors called 911 and did not want Mr. Stanley to know she called 911.
Megan stated the Defendant had “beaten her for days” and had told her she “deserved to die because [she] was a vile worm.” Megan believed she had a concussion. Officers from the Davis Police Department responded and found Megan behind a side gate, in a fetal position, and crying. Megan shared with the officer the physical abuse had started approximately a year prior. The officer observed severe bruising to Megan’s right arm. The Defendant began hitting her arms on July 7. Davis Fire Department personnel also examined Megan and in addition to the bruising on her arm, also located injury to her nose. Megan was emotional during their examination.
At Sutter Davis Hospital, Megan received additional treatment from medical professionals. She had bruising on both upper arms, her nose, and lips. Megan described having a headache and neck pain as a result of multiple assaults by Mr. Stanley. Megan feared for her safety if she returned to her home.
Mr. Stanley was arrested and served with an emergency protective order by the Davis Police Department. He posted bail and was out of custody at his first court date on July 11, 2024. Megan was not present in court. The Court issued a court order prohibiting any violence or harassment of the victim.
On July 11, 2024, Davis Police Department officers went to Megan’s home for a welfare check where officers discovered Megan’s body in the backyard. Investigation into her death is still pending.
Sentencing is set for December 2, 2024, at 9:00 AM in Department 7 of the Yolo County Superior Court.
Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig commented that “Mr. Stanley’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the continuing and ongoing crisis of domestic violence and in particular its impact on Megan and her family. Even without Megan available to testify, where the law permits, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office used every tool the law provides to present evidence and achieve justice. As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we hope this conviction brings some measure of justice for Megan and to her family.”
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