The trial has started for a Hernando County man accused of killing a well-known Brooksville woman.
Life along a quiet South Brooksville Street is back to normal, but people around here have not forgotten Sarah Davis. Five years ago she was murdered in her home. She was 80 years old and James Henry, who is a friend, remembers her well.
"A death like that, it shouldn't have happened," he said. "It really shouldn't have happened."
Davis was a very well respected member of the community. She was a teacher and librarian for 30 years, she was involved with the NAACP and she worked at the local sheriff's substation. A nearby road was even renamed in her honor.
"She was a mentor for a lot of people," Henry said.
Byron Burch is now on trial for her murder and jury selection is underway. Investigators said Davis was trying to help Burch by giving him odd jobs around her house. Detectives said Burch killed Davis to steal her jewelry to buy drugs.
"She was just trying to help," Henry said. "Trying to do something for him to make his life better."
Investigators said Burch has a long criminal record that started when he was a teenager. It includes things like robbery, assault, drug possession and now he's accused of murder. Brenda Mobley had Davis as a teacher. She wants justice.
"Once the trial is over I know we will all be more at peace," she said.
For now the future of the accused killer is unclear, but no matter what happens, Davis will live on in the community she loved.
If Burch is found guilty he could face the death penalty. We're told the trial and sentencing phase could last a few weeks.