Dr. Phil

Mentally Ill or Monster? Teen Convicted of Murdering Mom with a Sledgehammer Speaks (13x164)

Air date: May 22, 2015

In an exclusive jailhouse interview, Dr. Phil sits down with Zachary Davis, who was convicted of murder for brutally bludgeoning his mother to death with a sledgehammer in August 2012, just two weeks after his 15th birthday. A jury also found Davis guilty of attempted murder and aggravated arson for setting the house on fire that night while his older brother, Josh, was sleeping. Davis, who is facing at least 51 years in prison, reveals disturbing details of that night to Dr. Phil. What does he claim drove him to do such a thing? Does he have any remorse? Davis’ defense attorney says four mental health experts have evaluated the young man, and none of them could agree on his mental state or a diagnosis. What does Dr. Phil think? Is Davis a cold-blooded monster and murderer, or is he a mentally ill teen in need of help?