A Mecosta County jury found Ryan Cox, a 25-year-old Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer, not guilty Thursday of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. The verdict ends an eight-day criminal trial over a shooting that left a Michigan man without a kidney. The civil lawsuit Cox faces is far from over.
The Shooting at Merrill-Gorrel County Park
The case traces back to May 13, 2023, at Merrill-Gorrel County Park in Barryton. Cox was off duty and camping with his father when a verbal argument erupted between another camper, Brandon Davis of Mount Pleasant, and someone Davis knew, according to the Michigan Attorney General's office.
Cox's father tried to intervene. An altercation occurred between Davis and Cox's father. Cox then arrived at the scene, identified himself as a state conservation officer, and fired shots that struck Davis, according to the attorney general's release.
"Cox intervened in a verbal and physical altercation that involved his father and other campers," the Michigan Department of Attorney General said in a previous release. "He allegedly announced himself as DNR law enforcement before firing multiple shots and hitting one person."
Davis was taken to a hospital and underwent six surgeries. He lost a kidney as a result of the shooting, according to his attorney.
Criminal Charges Dropped After Jury Verdict
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel authorized the assault charge in December 2023. The criminal trial lasted eight days and ended July 2. Jurors deliberated for about two hours before returning the not guilty verdict, court records show.
Cox lives in Mancelona. He has maintained his actions were justified.
The $250 Million Lawsuit Continues
The criminal verdict does not resolve the civil case. Davis filed a $250 million federal lawsuit against Cox before the criminal charges were authorized. The lawsuit alleges "completely unreasonable force" that caused Davis physical injuries, mental distress, and medical expenses.
Davis claimed he had been defending himself in the altercation and was walking away when Cox shot him, according to court documents.
In early 2024, a federal judge granted a stay of proceedings in the civil case to allow the criminal case to play out. The judge's order stated that after the criminal case is resolved, "the parties shall immediately file a Joint Notice regarding the change in status of the criminal matter and setting forth the parties' position(s) as to whether further proceedings in the instant matter are necessary, including whether either side moves to reopen this action."
That notice has not yet been filed. The lawsuit remains ongoing.
What Happens Next
The criminal case is closed. The civil lawsuit could resume at any time. Davis' legal team must now decide whether to move to reopen the federal case and proceed toward a civil trial. Cox's legal team has not commented publicly on the verdict.