Man accused of overdosing, smothering his wife before her death at assisted care facility

PHOENIX (KTVK/KPHO/Gray News) - Newly released court documents are revealing more details about what led up to the death of a woman with dementia at an Arizona assisted care facility.

Justin Davidson, 46, is facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of his wife, Danielle Crosbie-Davidson.

On June 11, staff at Eternal Spring of Gilbert found Crosbie-Davidson dead in her room. She was being treated at the facility for advanced dementia. Officials say Davidson, who was visiting from California, was staying in the room with her at the time.

According to court records, staff contacted police after finding “suspicious marks” on Crosbie-Davidson’s body. Court documents noted that her health had been deteriorating since Davidson arrived to visit her. Facility staff also reported being told that Davidson had commented about how he “did not want them to feed her.”

In addition, staff noted that Crosbie-Davidson’s room was locked several times when they went in to check on her, and they asked Davidson to stop locking the door.

During an overnight check-in, staff noted that Crosbie-Davidson had died and noticed possible bruising on the left side of her neck, which nurses felt was suspicious. Investigators say that once questioned by authorities, Davidson reportedly confessed to the murder.

Court paperwork says Davidson admitted to crushing approximately 50 to 60 Oxycodone pills, a narcotic, and feeding them to Crosbie-Davidson in the days leading to her death. He said that those painkillers had been previously prescribed to her and that he brought the pills specifically for this reason. However, documents say that she did not die immediately after being given the pills.

On June 10, Davidson reportedly bought sleeping medicine from Target and a blue Eegee’s slushie, where he mixed the meds and gave them to Crosbie-Davidson in the hours before her death. Medical staff at the facility noted Crosbie-Davidson’s tongue was blue at the time of her death, court records said.

Davidson also reportedly placed a pillow over her head until she stopped breathing, authorities said.

Davidson is being held on a $1 million bond. He reportedly had previous police involvement with his wife in Southern California. Court records stated that he currently lives in California and was listed as a flight risk.

His trial was set for February 2026.