Donald Davidson sentenced to death for 2014 murder of Clay County mom

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Confessed killer, Donald Davidson was sentenced to death, Wednesday.

In May, Action News Jax reported when Davidson pleaded guilty to the 2014 murder of Rosann Welsh.

He admitted to the judge he cut his ankle monitor, killed Welsh and kidnapped her 10-year-old daughter.

Welsh's loved ones waited almost five years for the decision about Davidson’s fate.

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Welsh’s aunt Kim Hajaistron said, “Her children and her husband miss her dearly. There’s a huge hole in our family that was taken.”

Kim Hajaistron and her husband Michael Hajaistron ​​​​said they’re grateful for the sentence.

The family is trying to focus on happier times.

Kim Hajaistron said, “She was a joyful spirit. She never had a bad day, and she was a joy to be with.”

Tiffany Lagassee was attacked by Davidson four years before Welsh’s murder.

She testified as a witness in the sentencing hearing.

“I can only imagine, for everything he did to me, there was even worse for them,” she said.

Wednesday she said Davidson’s death is the only thing that will bring her relief.

She explained, “I feel that there has finally been justice and now we can all move on.”

Davidson’s defense attorney, Mark Wright said this situation is a loss for everyone involved.

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He said, “It’s a sad day for everyone. No one won here.”

Michael Hajaistron said there is no closure for their family.

“She’s just a special part of us that we’ll never get back. We’ll see her in heaven one day," he told Action News Jax.

State Attorney Melissa Nelson said the case will now got to the Florida Supreme Court, where they will review the sentence.

QUICK FACTS: 

• Welsh was found dead by her son in a bathroom of a home on Mayflower Street.
• Davidson is accused of abducting Welsh's, then-10-year-old daughter, who was found near the death scene when police arrived. She told police she had been taken by Davidson and then dropped off by him.
• Despite the fact that Davidson waived his right to a jury trial, the state is still seeking the death penalty.
• Davidson faces nine counts, including murder, kidnapping and molestation.
• He was on conditional release from prison and had gotten out in September 2014, months before the attack.

Cox Media Group