‘I feel great’: Darrell Davis speaks exclusively after acquittal in 2017 murder retrial

HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — Darrell Davis, acquitted last week in the retrial of a 2017 murder case, sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss the verdict and what comes next.

Davis was originally convicted in the murder of Tyion Taylor.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Jury finds Darrell Davis not guilty in retrial for 2017 killing of Tyion Taylor

In July 2025, Haywood County Circuit Judge Clayburn Peeples granted Davis a new trial after a December 2024 hearing in which the defense raised concerns that mistakes in the legal process may have affected the original verdict.

On March 12, 2026, a new jury found Davis not guilty on all counts.

‘My world was over with’

Davis said the original conviction took a significant toll.

“It felt like everything had been taken from under my feet. My world was over with, so it hurt me bad,” Davis said.

When the new trial was granted, Davis said the news brought relief.

“I knew I was one step closer. It felt good to know that I was at least getting a new trial because I know those things can take 10+ years to even get a person back in court and for me to get back in court that fast I was really excited about that,” Davis said.

Davis said the acquittal left him momentarily stunned.

“I am still processing that. I couldn’t move. I was just sitting there shaking, but I feel great,” Davis said.

Back home

Davis is now back home with his family.

“Being around my kids, nieces, and nephews, and my aunt. Just being around my family period has been just great,” Davis said.

Davis said the road ahead will not be easy, but he is ready to rebuild his life. He also wants to encourage others who are incarcerated to keep fighting.

For more local news, click here.