Police: Rocky Mount Mother Had Two Protective Orders Against Murder Suspect

Police say Anthony Wright, 42, slammed into 38-year-old Belinda Davis' vehicle at 30 mph near Brandon Lane early Monday morning. Investigators say Wright then got out of his vehicle and stabbed Davis numerous times. She later died at Nash General Hospital.

At about 3:30 p.m. Monday, police arrested Wright, who was found hiding in his current girlfriend's house, according to authorities.

Davis, a teacher's aide at a local elementary school, leaves behind four children, ages 13 to 20.

One of Davis' children, 17-year-old Alicia, said Monday that she and her mother were very close -- and that is what she wants to remember.

"She has the craziest laugh -- and her smile," Alicia said.

There had not been a lot of laughing for the family this year. In January, police charged Wright with assault after they say he beat Davis so bad that she spent almost two months in the hospital and more time at a shelter.

Wright was released on a $15,000 bond.

Since that time, Davis took out two restraining orders against Wright and had not seen him in months until Sunday. Davis had left a local bingo parlor that evening. Police said Wright waited for her outside her neighborhood.

"It just tell us with all with the precautionary measures you can take, there are no certainties -- as far as what those court papers will protect us from."

State lawmakers are considering a domestic violence bill that could help women in situations like Davis'. The measure would allow victims to quickly obtain a concealed weapons permit as long as they have proof of a protective order.

Through it all, Alicia said her mother always put up a strong front.

"She had to be there for us to make us feel better in order for her to feel better," Alicia said.

Detectives said Wright has two prior assault convictions involving a former girlfriend. He is now charged with murder.

As for Davis' four children, Alicia said her mother is gone, but all of them vow to make her proud.