LEN DAVIS | “RoboCop” Former New Orleans Police Officer Convicted of Depriving Civil Rights Through Murder by Conspiring With an Assassin to Kill a Local Resident | Autographed Letter Signed

Mr. Len Davis. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Indianapolis, IN. May 16, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

In the early 1990s, New Orleans was grappling with a surge in violent crime and systemic corruption within its police force. At the center of this turmoil stood Len Davis, a New Orleans police officer whose actions would epitomize the depths of institutional decay. Davis's orchestration of the murder of Kim Groves, a civilian who dared to report police brutality, not only shocked the nation but also exposed the profound vulnerabilities within the justice system. This narrative delves into the life of Len Davis, tracing his journey from a troubled youth to a symbol of law enforcement's darkest capabilities, and examines the enduring impact of his crimes on victims, society, and the pursuit of justice.

The Desire Terrorist: The Rise and Fall of Len Davis

Basic Information

Len Davis was born on August 6, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he joined the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Davis is currently incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. His criminal record includes convictions for deprivation of rights under color of law resulting in death, conspiracy to deprive rights, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Joe Biden commuted his initial death sentence to life imprisonment without parole in December 2024.

Background

Stability characterized Davis's early life. After moving to New Orleans, he joined the NOPD in 1988 during a period when the department was desperate for recruits, often overlooking prior misconduct. Despite a history of suspensions and numerous complaints, Davis remained on the force, earning the nickname "RoboCop" for his aggressive policing style and "Desire Terrorist" for his reign of terror in the Desire housing projects.

Criminal Activity

Davis's role as a police officer deeply intertwined his criminal activities. He was involved in a protection racket, shielding drug dealers in exchange for money. His most heinous crime was orchestrating the murder of Kim Groves, a 32-year-old mother of three who filed a brutality complaint against him. Davis conspired with drug dealer Paul Hardy to have Groves killed, and she was shot dead on October 14, 1994, less than a day after filing her complaint.

Legal Proceedings

Davis was arrested in 1994 and charged with multiple offenses, including civil rights violations and drug trafficking. In 1996, he was convicted and sentenced to death. However, his death sentence was overturned on appeal, leading to a resentencing in 2005, where he was again sentenced to death. In December 2024, President Joe Biden commuted his sentence to life imprisonment without parole.

Impact on Victims and Society

The murder of Kim Groves had a profound impact on her family and the community. In 2018, the city of New Orleans settled a lawsuit with Groves's children for $1.5 million. Davis's actions also led to the wrongful convictions of several individuals, including Kunta Gable and Sidney Hill, who were exonerated in 2022 after spending decades in prison. The case highlighted systemic issues within the NOPD, leading to federal investigations and reforms.

Len Davis remains incarcerated at USP Terre Haute, serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Despite his commuted sentence, Davis has attempted to challenge the commutation, seeking to reinstate his death sentence, a move that has been met with criticism and skepticism.

Conclusion

The case of Len Davis serves as a poignant illustration of the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and communities. It demonstrates the need for accountability, transparency, and systemic reform to prevent such abuses of power.

Additional Note

Given the notoriety of Len Davis and the rarity of items associated with him, obtaining an autographed item could be considered valuable to collectors of true crime memorabilia.

VIDEO: Corrupt New Orleans Police Officers Len Davis Awaiting Execution For Kim Groves Murder in 1994 | https://youtu.be/i72MN_zF_uM

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• White Backing Board—Acid Free

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