Convicted killer Tedor Davido told people that when his father and grandfather died "it ruined his life."
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Davido was a young teenager and had not been trained in the way of his culture — the gypsy life — when the two most important men in his life died.
Today, as Davido, now 33, appeals his conviction and death sentence for the murder of a 20-year-old Lancaster woman, an expert explained gypsy culture in America.
Ann Sutherland, who earned her doctorate in social anthropology at Oxford University in England, described for Judge Joseph Madenspacher the various social and cultural aspects of Davido's childhood.
Davido would have been next in line to lead the several-hundred member clan, Sutherland said, but was too young at the time to learn the necessary skills.
"He continues to see himself as a gypsy," Sutherland said, "Even in prison, that's who he is."
Davido's defense attorneys are appealing his case, hoping for something to overturn at least his death sentence. Testimony is expected to continue throughout the week.
The state Attorney General's office is handling the case for the prosecution.
Currently, Davido is one of six Lancaster County men on death row awaiting execution.
Davido was charged with murdering 20-year-old Angelina Taylor on May 2000 in the home they shared on Hager Street in Lancaster City.
Police went to the home after receiving an anonymous phone call that morning of "a guy... beating up a girl."
When they arrived, no one answered the door. Officers went inside and found Taylor, alone and unconscious. She died a short time later.
Staff writer Janet Kelley can be reached at jkelley@LNPnews.com or 481-6026.
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