Killer of N.Y. councilman had told FBI about threat

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 25, 2003

NEW YORK (AP) -- Hours before he gunned down Councilman James Davis, Othniel Askew told the FBI that Davis offered him $45,000 to give up a primary election challenge -- and threatened to hurt his family if he did not, law enforcement sources said Thursday.

Askew, in what investigators described as a rambling statement, also claimed Davis threatened to expose him as gay, the sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

A City Council spokeswoman called the allegations "preposterous," and investigators said they have not corroborated Askew's claims.

But the claims underscore the complex, volatile relationship between the two men before their paths crossed one final, fatal time - - when Askew walked into City Hall by Davis' side Wednesday, then shot him dead in the council chamber. A police officer shot and killed Askew seconds later.