Girvies L. Davis was born on January 20, 1958, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was the oldest of eight children in his family. Growing up, Davis lived in poverty. His family struggled to make ends meet, which made life difficult for them.

In school, Davis had a challenging time. His fourth-grade teacher, Annie Quinley Petchulat, described him as a quiet boy who did not participate much in class. She called him "a poor pathetic boy who just sat there and said nothing."

On December 8, 1978, Girvies L. Davis and Richard Holman were involved in the robbery and murder of 78-year-old Frieda Mueller. They allegedly shot her and stole her television, billfold, and checkbook. Although they were not tried for her murder, it was mentioned during their later trials.

On December 22, 1978, they fatally shot 89-year-old Charles Biebel inside his trailer home. His daughter discovered his body later that night. They stole two watches, a billfold, several guns, and a television. Holman was identified as the shooter in this incident.

On May 12, 1979, the duo robbed and murdered 84-year-old John Oertel in his trailer. Oertel was shot and stabbed, with Davis acting as the triggerman.

On July 13, 1979, they shot 83-year-old Esther Sepmeyer, a blind woman, as she knelt and prayed. This murder was also reported as execution-style. They stole various items, including a lawnmower and a color TV, from her home. Holman was responsible for this murder.

Their crime spree came to an end after they attempted to rob an auto parts store on August 30, 1979. They shot the store owner, James Ostman, and followed the clerk, Frank Cash, to the back of the store. Davis fatally shot Cash as he pleaded for his life. Ostman, despite being injured, shot at the robbers as they fled. Davis was hit and later arrested after he was treated at the hospital.

Authorities linked them to a total of ten robberies, which resulted in nine deaths and seven people injured. They faced multiple charges for their crimes. Davis was convicted of four murders, while Holman was convicted of three counts of murder. Davis received a death sentence but had one count changed to life without parole on appeal. Holman was sentenced to life without parole.

Davis was executed by lethal injection on May 17, 1995. Holman continues to serve his life sentence.