Defendant’s Sixth Refusal to Appear May Delay Homicide Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

A murder defendant’s continuous refusal to attend court poses a risk for his trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan, parties discussed on March 14.

Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the murders of 31- year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan alerted the parties Bullocks “refused to get off the transportation that brought him over here,” from the DC Jail.

According to the prosecution, this is Bullocks’ sixth failure to appear in court. They added three of those involved a refusal to get off the bus or refusal to be searched, and the other three were allegedly due to health issues.

Judge Ryan stated he’s worried this puts the Sept. 2 trial date at risk. “If he just wants to stay locked up I should vacate the trial,” Judge Ryan said, adding, “I don’t think the jail is keen on having a permanent resident.”

David Akulian, Bullocks’ attorney, requested to cancel the trial date, but was met with objections from the prosecutor, who stated “[Bullocks] shouldn’t get to choose if the case goes forward,” citing that Proctor and Pate’s families have been waiting for years for trial, which was previously delayed due to Bullocks firing his prior attorneys.

Prosecutors asked Judge Ryan to order the Marshals to use force to ensure he goes to court. “I’m not inclined to keep the case for trial or forcibly bring him in from the jail,” Judge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan questioned if Akulian had concerns about Bullocks’ mental competency. “I’ve been considering that,” Akulian said, stating he would visit Bullocks this weekend and would file a motion for competency evaluations if necessary.

“I have to look at the realities of the situation,” Judge Ryan stated, giving the parties time to file any motions they see fit.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.