Marquette Tibbs | Homicide Watch DC

Family: "10 years is not enough" for the Murder of Andre Jackson

Imari Williams — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:37:00 -0500

Marquette Tibbs was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for the shooting death of Andre Jackson almost exactly two years ago.

Tibbs pleaded guilty in September to voluntary manslaughter while armed for Jackson's murder. He had originally been charged with first-degree murder.

Two weeks earlier, Tibbs' former co-defendant, Lamonte Perry, was acquitted of first-degree premeditated murder but convicted of obstruction of justice in the case. That trial ended in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked over the lesser-included charge of second-degree murder.

Jackson, 22, was found in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast behind an apartment building. He died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson said "no amount of time that the court could give would bring Jackson back or soothe the pain of his family, but Tibbs admission and evidence should be taken into account."

"It brings some amount of closure," the prosecutor said.

But Jackson's family believes Tibbs got away with murder.

"This man has escaped first-degree murder charges and admitted, out of his own mouth, that he killed my son," Jackson's father, Allen Jackson, said in a victim impact statement. "He shot him 17 times."

As they addressed the court, several members of the Jackson family just wanted to know why the shooting happened.

"We grew up together," Jackson's sister, Alanda Jackson, said. "It hurts me to know he killed my brother. What went wrong?"

Tibbs defense attorney, Dominique Winters, argued that there is no doubt that this was a tragedy, but Tibbs wasn't thinking clearly.

"We have to acknowledge this was a dangerous neighborhood," Winters said. "He is a product of his environment and his thinking was flawed, but he knows what he did was terrible."

Tibbs stood up and cleared his throat as he addressed the court: "I'm sorry and I understand, but the truth will reveal itself," he said, drawing an audible commotion from Jackson's family and friends. "I took the plea," he continued, "but soon you'll see."

Before delivering her sentence, Judge Rhonda Winston asked Tibbs, "What did you mean the truth will reveal itself?"

Tibbs relayed through his lawyers that Perry had called him that night, telling him that Jackson was "out to get him." Tibbs believed it was "kill or be killed."

"I don't know what Perry told you, but there was no excuse for shooting that man down like that," Judge Winston said. "Just a lack of human life."

On Eve of Trial, Marquette Tibbs Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

Imari Williams — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 21:10:11 -0400

Marquette Tibbs pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed Thursday for the shooting death of Andre Jackson on Nov. 4, 2012. He was scheduled to begin trial on Monday.

Tibbs' guilty plea comes two weeks after jurors acquitted his former co-defendant, Lamonte Perry, of first-degree premeditated murder, but deadlocked over the lesser-included charge of second-degree murder. Perry was, however, convicted of obstruction of justice in connection with Jackson's death.

Tibbs was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and carrying a pistol.

In exchange for his plea Tuesday, prosecutor dropped his other charges.

Jackson, 22, was found behind an apartment building in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast. He died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Witnesses told police that on the night of the shooting, Tibbs and Byron Akeem Dunn were seen running towards an alley, one aiming a firearm at Jackson, according to charging documents. Charges against Dunn were later dropped.

At trial, prosecutors argued that Tibbs used Jackson's friendship with Perry to lure Jackson into the alley where he was shot.

Police believed that Tibbs wanted to kill Jackson because Jackson shot and destroyed property at Tibbs' grandmother's house in February 2010.

One witness said the two men's families had an ongoing feud with Jackson's family.

Tibbs is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 6 before Judge Rhonda Winston.

A copy of the plea documents are below:

Trial Opens: Did Lamonte Perry Lead Andre Jackson To His Death?

Timothy Ryan — Mon, 11 Aug 2014 20:22:58 -0400

Prosecutors say Lamonte Perry was loyal to his close friend Andre Jackson, but he was also loyal to his 37th street neighborhood.

So on Nov. 4, 2012, Perry led Jackson behind an apartment complex and into an ambush set up by Marquette Tibbs, Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson said Monday. And though Perry never fired a shot, he helped ensure Jackson died that night, Kenerson said.

Perry faces one count of first-degree murder, three related weapons charges and one count of obstruction of justice in connection with Jackson's death. Tibbs, Perry's former co-defendant, is charged with first-degree murder and two related weapons charges; he is scheduled to begin trial on September 15.

Perry's defense attorney, Kevin Irving, insisted his client did not know what was going to happen behind that building on the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast.

In fact, Irving said prosecutors cannot prove Perry and Tibbs communicated or conspired before the murder.

"Speculation," Irving said to the jury. "That's what the government is going to ask you to do in this trial."

Kenerson, the prosecutor, said that a fight earlier in the night convinced Tibbs to put his plan to get even with Jackson into action, a plan that involved Jackson's good friend. Prosecutors have said Tibbs wanted to kill Jackson because Jackson shot and destroyed property at Tibbs' grandmother's house in February 2010.

While in jail, Perry all but confessed to another inmate that he played a role in the murder, Kenerson told jurors. Additionally, on the night of the murder, a woman saw Perry pulling Jackson towards the alley where Jackson was shot, Kenerson said Monday.

Irving suggested two of the prosecution's witnesses were only testifying to receive lesser sentences in criminal cases against them. According to Irving, Perry had no motive to help kill the man who both sides agreed was his close friend.

"One does not necessarily have to pull a trigger to be guilty of murder," Kenerson told jurors.

The trial is set to resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday before Judge Rhonda Reid Winston.

Lamonte Perry Arrested in Connection with Nov. 2012 Andre Jackson Shooting

Laura Amico — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 08:21:18 -0500

A 22-year-old Southeast DC man has been arrested in connection with the November 2012 shooting death of Andre Jackson.

The suspect, identified by police as Lamonte Perry, is expected to be charged with felony murder while armed.

Perry is the third person to be arrested in connection with the case. In court last week, Marquette Tibbs pleaded innocent to charges including first-degree murder related to Jackson's death. Another man was arrested and held for more than seven months before charges against him were dropped early last week.

A press release from MPD is below.

November 25, 2013

Additional Arrest Made in Homicide: 300 Block of Ridge Road, SE

(Washington, DC)- The Metropolitan Police Department has announced an additional arrest has been made in the homicide which occurred in the 300 block of Ridge Road, SE.

On Sunday, November 4, 2012, at approximately 2:14 am, units from the Sixth District responded to the 300 block of Ridge Road, SE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived and determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on the scene and was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia, pending an autopsy.

The decedent is identified as 22-year-old Andre Jackson of Southeast, Washington, DC.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013 members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested two adult males charging them both with First Degree Murder While Armed, pursuant to a District of Columbia Superior Court Arrest Warrant, in the shooting death of Andre Jackson.

On Monday, November 25, 2013, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested 22-year-old Lamonte Perry of Southeast, Washington, DC, charging him with Felony Murder while Armed in connection with the death of Andre Jackson.

Marquette Tibbs Charged with First-Degree Murder for Andre Jackson's Death, Charges Against Byron Dunn Dismissed

Clara Pak — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 18:05:25 -0500

In a room packed with his family and friends Friday, Marquette Tibbs pleaded innocent to charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and carrying a pistol.

Tibbs, 22, is suspected in the Nov. 4, 2012 shooting death of 22-year-old Andre Jackson. He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder while armed on Feb. 26, along with 23-year-old Byron Dunn.

Charges against Dunn were dismissed earlier this week and Dunn was released from custody.

Jackson was found dead from 17 gunshot wounds behind an apartment building in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast.

Tibbs is expected for trial in March 2014.

Comment of the Day: 'I didn't have time to utter the word goodbye'

Sam Pearson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:47:20 -0400

Angel Lucas writes on the Homicide Watch D.C. Facebook page about Andre Jackson:

"Tears I miss my Lil Cuzzin so freaking much it's a shane that he was subject to a senseless crime such as this my heart aches 24/7 it's going on 6 months since he's been gone...He was a good man always wore a smile I wish he could have stick around for a long while. We all miss him deeply and think of him everyday many looked up to him he always had something to say "You Hear Me"

I didn't have time to utter the word goodbye boy that's still hurts me to this very day as I sit here reminiscing on the memories we all shared with him in our own lil way, just letting you all know he'll always be here. He's at peace now still can't forget the fact that I never had the chance to say I Love You. He's greatly missed by everyone here Hey Fam don't ever forget he'll always be near now I'm sitting in my room crying RIP Lil Cuzzin Andre "Pops" Jackson November 04 2012 Sleep In Peace i Miss You Cuz #A4Dre"

Police arrested Byron Dunn, 23, and 22-year-old Marquette Tibbs Feb. 26. Both men were ordered held at a preliminary hearing March 8.

Prosecutors Say Andre Jackson's Death the Result of Feud With Marquette Tibbs, Byron Dunn

Vanya Mehta — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:49:53 -0500

Judge Ronna Beck found substantial probability Friday in the cases against Marquette Tibbs and Byron Dunn, both suspected in the Nov. 2012 shooting death of Andre Jackson.

Detectives believe that Tibbs, also known as "Quett," said he wanted to kill Jackson because Jackson shot and destroyed property at Tibbs' grandmother's house in Feb. 2010.

Metropolitan Police Department Detective Brian Bradol testified Friday that a witness said they saw Tibbs, 22, and Dunn, 23, brandish weapons at Jackson moments before the shooting.

The two men's defense attorneys, though, countered that the witness might be the actual shooter. Another witness reported seeing a bearded man with a light complexion holding a handgun chasing Jackson – a description that the attorneys say doesn't match either suspect.

Police found Jackson, 22, dead in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast Nov. 4, 2012 with 17 gunshot wounds.

A felony status conference is scheduled for June 7.

Tibbs and Dunn will remain in custody while the grand jury investigates their case.

Comment of the Day: "From his grave, he cries out for justice."

Sam Pearson — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:17:32 -0500

This Comment of the Day comes from Karim, who writes about Andre Jackson. Police arrested two suspects Tuesday in the Nov. 2012 case.

Now, maybe Andre's family will get closure. He didn't deserve to die like that. From his grave, he cries out for justice.

The suspects, 23 year-old Byron Akeem Dunn and 22-year-old Marquette Tibbs, are scheduled for a preliminary hearing before Judge Ronna Beck at 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Marquette Tibbs, Byron Dunn Ordered Held in Shooting Death of Andre Jackson

Vanya Mehta — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:52:19 -0500

Judge Lori Parker on Wednesday ordered two men held in connection with the Nov. 2012 shooting death of Andre Jackson.

Jackson, 22, died from multiple gunshot wounds. His body was found behind an apartment building in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast.

Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force officers arrested Marquette Tibbs, 22, and 23-year-old Byron Dunn separately Tuesday.

According to charging documents, witnesses told investigators Tibbs and Dunn were seen running towards an alley, one pointing a firearm at Jackson. One witness said the two men's families had an ongoing feud with Jackson's family.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 8 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Ronna Beck.

Tibbs and Dunn Documents (PDF)Tibbs and Dunn Documents (Text)

Two Suspects Arrested in Nov. 2012 Murder of Andre Jackson

Sam Pearson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:10:06 -0500

Officers arrested two men Tuesday in connection with the Nov. 2012 shooting death of Andre Jackson.

Capital Area Fugitive Task Force officers arrested 23 year-old Byron Akeem Dunn at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday. Officers arrested another man, 22 year-old Marquette Tibbs, at 7:50 p.m. that day, on suspicion of first-degree murder while armed.

Both men are from Southeast D.C.

Jackson, 22, was found dead Nov. 4, 2012 behind an apartment building in the 300 block of Ridge Road Southeast.

A press release from the Metropolitan Police Department is below:

(Washington, DC)-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch have announced that arrests have been made in the fatal shooting which occurred in the 300 block of Ridge Road, SE.

On Sunday, November 4, 2012, at approximately 2:14 am, units from the Sixth District responded to the 300 block of Ridge Road, SE for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival they located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived and determined that the victim had no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on the scene and was later transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia, pending an autopsy.

The decedent is identified as 22-year-old Andre Jackson of Southeast, Washington, DC.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at approximately 10:15 am, members of the Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 23 year-old Byron Akeem Dunn of Southeast, DC, and charged him with First Degree Murder While Armed, pursuant to a District of Columbia Superior Court Arrest Warrant, in the shooting death of Andre Jackson.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at approximately 7:50 pm, members of the Sixth District arrested 22 year-old Marquette Tibbs of Southeast, DC, and charged him with First Degree Murder While Armed, pursuant to a District of Columbia Superior Court Arrest Warrant, in the shooting death of Andre Jackson.