In a case that has drawn comparisons to a Hollywood thriller, Dr. Sarah Hack Gumraku, a biomemed researcher, was found guilty of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Gregory Davis, a man who threatened to expose him as a fraud. The trial, which culminated in a jury verdict of guilty on multiple counts, revealed a web of deception involving false claims of a cure for HIV, financial misconduct, and ultimately, murder.
Dr. Gumraku, who had portrayed himself as a Turkish prince and a groundbreaking scientist, was living a seemingly charmed life in California before his downfall. The case began to unravel in 2018 when the body of Gregory Davis was discovered in a snowbank in Vermont. Investigators uncovered a series of emails and messages that indicated a failed biotech merger deal between Davis and Gumraku, which had left Davis suspicious of Gumraku’s legitimacy and eager to expose him.
Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial indicating that Gumraku hired a hitman to eliminate Davis, referring to him as a “problem.” The hired assassin, identified as Jerry Banks, testified that he had posed as a U.S. marshal to lure Davis into a vehicle before fatally shooting him. This premeditated act of violence shocked many, particularly given that Davis was a father of six, with his wife expecting their seventh child at the time.
In court, Gumraku’s defense attempted to shift the blame to his personal assistant, Burke Erite, claiming he was the mastermind behind the plot. However, the prosecution effectively countered this narrative, linking Gumraku directly to the planning and funding of the murder. The evidence was compelling, leading the jury to deliberate and ultimately return guilty verdicts for murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
During the trial, Gumraku took the stand in his defense, admitting to lying about various business dealings but denying having any intent to harm Davis. His lack of credibility was evident, particularly when it was revealed that he did not possess a legitimate medical degree, having paid for his credentials without completing the required training. This revelation added to the severity of the case, as it was shown that his actions had directly contributed to the death of a patient who had sought his treatment.
The jury’s verdict marks a significant moment in a case that highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and deception in the medical field. Prosecutors have stated that, despite Gumraku not pulling the trigger himself, he is complicit in the crime and faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. The other individuals involved, including Erite and Banks, have also pleaded guilty to various charges related to the murder.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of fraudulent behavior and the extremes to which some individuals may go to protect their interests. The sentencing date for Dr. Gumraku has yet to be scheduled, but the ramifications of his actions will undoubtedly linger in the lives of those affected by this tragic and complex case.