Louisiana man claiming to be God sentenced to life in prison for killing neighbor

Jerry Gelpi, 42, was convicted of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the February 2021 death of 68-year-old Charles Davis

A Louisiana man has been sentenced to life plus 40 years in prison for brutally stabbing his sick neighbor who he claimed was a “demon.”

Jerry Gelpi, 42, was convicted of first-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the February 2021 death of 68-year-old Charles Davis.

“Sir. Gelpi, you’re going where you’re supposed to be,” 24th Judicial District Judge Frank Brindisi told Gelpi during sentencing, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office said in a Friday, Oct. 11 news release. “You accused this man of being a demon. You were the only demon that day.”

Prosecutors said Davis, a forklift driver, was still suffering from a battle with COVID-19 and was “severely debilitated” and in need of oxygen at the time of the killing.

Prosecutors said Gelpi, who lived in the apartment below Davis’, entered Davis’ apartment on Feb. 8, 2021, and attacked him in the bathroom.

During the struggle, Gelpi stabbed Davis in the neck, causing the sink to knock off the wall.

“Davis was pushed or fell into the bathtub, where Gelpi continued to stab him – a total of at least 16 times,” prosecutors said.

After the stabbing, Gelpi reportedly washed his hands in the sink and then returned to his apartment where he attempted to cover up his involvement by disposing of his bloody clothes and the knife in the Mississippi River.

According to prosecutors, Davis’ daughter found his body curled up in a fetal position in the bathtub on the morning of February 9, 2021.

Prosecutors said his wallet was missing.

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Gelpi’s DNA was later found under Davis’ fingernails and on the kitchen faucet Gelpi used to wash his hands after the attack. Investigators also allegedly discovered Internet searches on Gelpi’s computer about knife fighting and stabbing people in the kidneys, hearts and lungs, prosecutors said.

Gelpi, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claimed at trial that he was “the son of God” and killed Davis because the older man was “the strongest demon in my experience,” prosecutors said.

According to NOLA.com, a jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before finding Gelpi guilty.

Gelpi’s lawyer could not be reached for comment.

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