Two Charged In Murder-For-Hire Scheme That Left Vermont Man Dead

BURLINGTON, VT — Two men, including the co-founder of a California-based biotech company, have been charged in a murder-for-hire scheme that led to the 2018 death of a Vermont man, the state U.S. Attorney's Office announced Wednesday.

Serhat Gumrukcu, 39, of Los Angeles, California, and Berk Eratay, 35, of Las Vegas, Nevada, were arrested Tuesday after both were charged by a federal grand jury in connection with the death of Danville resident Gregory Davis.

The U.S. Attorney's Office did not say what circumstances led to the new charges. Both men were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday, according to officials.

Gumrukcu previously was listed as the co-founder of Los Angeles-based Enochian BioSciences Inc., according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The company has developed several drugs to fight diseases including influenza, HIV and COVID-19.

In a statement to the Journal, Chief Executive Mark Dybul said Gumrukcu had no formal role in the company. He also said Gumrukcu's informal role as a scientific adviser has ended.

Tuesday's arrests are the latest connected to Davis' death. According to court records, Jerry Banks, 34, of Fort Garland, Colorado, was previously arrested and charged with kidnapping Davis from his home on Jan. 6, 2018.

Davis was found dead in a snowbank several miles from his home the next day. Authorities said they believe Banks is responsible for Davis' death; however, Banks has not been charged with the murder.

Aron Lee Ethridge, 41, of Henderson, Nevada, was also previously arrested on charges of conspiring to kidnap Davis. Authorities say Ethridge communicated with Banks before and after the kidnapping and murder.