The defendant in an ongoing murder case failed to appear in court for the ninth time on June 27. DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said his trial, scheduled to begin Sept. 2, will go ahead with or without him.
Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a 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 for his alleged involvement in the fatal shootings of 31-year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.
Judge Ryan asked Bullocks’ defense attorney, David Akulian, why he has not been able to maintain contact? Akulian said that it has been hard to get hold of his client in person at the DC Jail, and was worried what would happen when the case got to trial.
“I am going to have a number of questions to ask him,” said Judge Ryan about the suspects chronic court avoidance, nearly a dozen times in one year.
Judge Ryan said he would consider waiving Bullock’s presence if he consented to the action.
The judge asked Akulian if he would be able to discuss the matter with Bullocks and Akulian said he would. The prosecution had little to suggest in terms of ensuring Bullocks’ presence, other than to issue a court order or have him participate remotely.
After deliberation, Judge Ryan decided he would need to talk to Bullocks before the start of his trial on Sept. 2.
‘If we have to, we will,’ said Judge Ryan, telling Akulian that if Bullocks does not appear they will be going to trial without him. Both parties agreed.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 15.
