DAVIS, Calif. — A Davis man was convicted of domestic violence charges Tuesday in Yolo County with regard to his wife’s death earlier this year.
Henry “Harry” Stanley, 37, was convicted in Yolo County Superior Court of inflicting domestic violence injury and making criminal threats to his wife, Megan Marie Duncanson Stanley, according to the news release by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. The jury reportedly could not reach a decision on a third felony charge Stanley faced.
“The jury also found true aggravating circumstances of the victim being particularly vulnerable, great violence and that Mr. Stanley took advantage of a position of trust,” the DA’s office said.
On July 9, Megan Stanley, who had been in a relationship with her husband for seven years, reportedly called 911 and whispered into the phone that Stanley was going to kill her. She spoke at a low volume and gave details about her husband assaulting her and threatening to kill her, according to the DA’s office.
The 911 dispatcher reportedly began using a text messaging option so Megan Stanley could communicate without fear her husband would hear.
“Megan described having injuries and wanted the 911 dispatcher to say that the neighbors called 911 and did not want Mr. Stanley to know she called 911,” the DA’s office said.
What did Megan say?
Megan Stanley believed she had a concussion.
She told law enforcement her husband had “beaten her for days” and told her she “deserved to die because (she) was a vile worm.”
Upon arrival, officers from the Davis Police Department reportedly found Megan behind a side gate in a fetal position and crying. Stanley’s physical abuse had started approximately a year prior, his wife reportedly told police.
She suffered several injuries including ones to her nose, upper arms, nose and lips, the DA’s office said. She described having a headache and neck pain as a result of multiple assaults by her husband, according to law enforcement.
She returned home in fear for her safety, the DA’s office said. Stanley was reportedly arrested and served with an emergency protective order by the Davis Police Department.
He posted bail and was out of custody by his first court date on July 11, according to law enforcement. The court issued an order prohibiting any violence or harassment of the victim.
Megan Stanley, however, was not present in court.
Davis police went to her home for a welfare check where officers reportedly discovered her body in the backyard. Investigation into her death is still pending, authorities said.
Stanley’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2024.
