A teen involved in the slaying of Barnard College student Tessa Majors has pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery in the case and faces up to 18 months in detention.
Zyairr Davis, 14 — who had previously been charged with murder — copped to the robbery count, admitting that he helped two pals in the botched mugging of the 18-year-old college freshman (pictured) at Morningside Park on Dec. 11.
Davis admitted to passing a knife to Rashaun Weaver, 15, that Weaver allegedly used to fatally stab Majors — as Luchiano Lewis, 15, allegedly held Majors in a headlock.
From a video call, Davis admitted to a Family Court judge Wednesday, “I went into Morningside Park in Manhattan with Rashaun and Lucci” — apparently referring to Lewis as “Lucci.”
“We went to the park planning to rob someone. In the park, one of my friends dropped a knife. I picked up the knife and handed it to Rashaun,” a fidgety Davis mumbled into the camera. “After that, we saw Tessa Majors walking on the stairs inside the park. Rashaun went up to her and said something to her, and Tessa yelled for help,” he continued.
“Rashaun used the knife that I had handed to him to stab Tessa, and I saw feathers coming out of her coat,” Davis said.
“Then I saw Rashaun take a plastic bag out of her pocket. Tessa went up the stairs towards Morningside Drive, and Rashaun, Lucci and I followed her up to the platform. After that, Rashaun, Lucci and I ran out of the park together,” Davis concluded.
In a confession video, Davis said he didn’t realize Lewis was stabbing Majors until her coat ripped open.
“I didn’t see him take the knife out, but I see all the feathers coming out of her coat,” he told 26th Precinct cops following his Dec. 13 arrest.
With the plea, Davis — who was charged as a juvenile, as he was 13 at the time — faces between six and 18 months detention in a limited secure facility at his June 15 sentencing. He will get credit for the time he’s already been in custody.
“The robbery and murder of Tessa majors was a horrific crime. No family should have to endure such pain,” said city Corporation Counsel James Johnson, whose office prosecuted the case.
“This resolution is in the best interest of the community and for a youth who has had no prior contact with the juvenile justice system and was not the main actor in the murder,” Johnson added.
Weaver and Lewis’ murder and robbery cases are still pending.
“This resolution is in the best interest of the community and for a youth who has had no prior contact with the juvenile justice system and was not the main actor in the murder,” said city Corporation Counsel James Johnson, whose office prosecuted the case.
The Legal Aid Society, which is representing Davis in his case, said in a statement that the plea “is consistent with our client’s limited role in this tragic event. He did not touch Ms. Majors or take any of her property.”
The legal group said there was also no DNA evidence linking him to the crime.
“He will face its repercussion for a long time, likely the rest of his life,” Legal Aid continued. “This plea clears a path for him and his family to move forward with their lives.”
“His acceptance of responsibility is an important first step; it provides an opportunity for this now 14-year-old to achieve a successful future,” Legal Aid said.