The lead off
- A Muncie murder suspect has been arrested again on 12 new felony CSAM charges
- Police say child sex abuse material was discovered during a homicide investigation
- Suspect remains jailed without bond on multiple violent and sexual exploitation charges
MUNCIE, IND. (WOWO) A 21-year-old Muncie man already facing murder and other violent felony charges is now accused of possessing child sex abuse material, according to Delaware County court documents.
Initial murder case and arrests
Rylynn Davis, 21, was previously arrested earlier this month in connection with a triple shooting in Muncie that left his 23-year-old girlfriend, Cheyenne Angelina Raines, dead and two other men injured.
Police say officers responded around 5:30 p.m. on May 10 to the 2700 block of S. Walnut Street following reports of a disturbance, where they found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Court documents allege Raines was struck multiple times and later died at a hospital. Two additional victims, ages 40 and 39, were also hospitalized, with one airlifted to Indianapolis in critical condition.
Allegations outlined by investigators
According to court filings, Davis told officers he acted in self-defense and that an altercation occurred before the shooting. Investigators, however, allege that Raines was attempting to leave Davis when she was punched and disarmed, leading to the escalation.
Authorities further allege Davis dragged Raines toward a residence before firing at a pickup truck driven by individuals who attempted to intervene. One witness described Davis as “emotionless and cold as he fired the gun,” according to court documents.
Davis has been charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, kidnapping, criminal confinement, criminal recklessness and domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
He is also charged with neglect of a dependent after police reported finding three children inside a residence in what authorities described as “deplorable” conditions.
New child sex abuse material charges
Court documents filed in Delaware County indicate Davis now faces 12 additional preliminary felony counts of possession of child pornography.
Investigators say the new charges stem from a review of Davis’s cell phone on May 15 during the ongoing homicide investigation. Police reported finding thumbnail images and video files that allegedly depicted minors engaged in sexual acts.
Authorities also allege Davis used messaging platforms, including Telegram, to access and share material in groups associated with illegal content.
Officials say the new charges are separate from the homicide case but were discovered through the same investigative process.
Custody status and court proceedings
Davis remains in the Delaware County Jail without bond and has not been released since his initial arrest in the homicide case.
A jury trial in the murder case is currently scheduled to begin on October 13 in Delaware Circuit Court 1. Additional court proceedings related to the new charges are expected to be scheduled following formal filing.
Forward outlook
Prosecutors are expected to continue pursuing both the homicide case and the newly filed CSAM charges separately as the investigation proceeds. Court hearings and additional filings will determine how the cases move forward in Delaware County Circuit Court.
The takeaway
- Rylynn Davis, already charged in a May triple shooting that killed his girlfriend and injured two others, now faces 12 additional felony CSAM-related charges discovered during a phone investigation.
- Police say evidence from Davis’s cellphone allegedly revealed child sex abuse material and possible distribution activity through messaging apps.
- Davis remains held without bond in Delaware County Jail, with a murder trial scheduled for October as both cases continue through the court system.
