Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 23, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a felony arraignment Aug. 23, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges listed in his indictment.

Marquette Tibbs is charged with first-degree-murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the death of Orlando Silver III on the 1300 block of Howard Rd., SE in 2016.

During the hearing, defense counsel, Maro Robbins, informed the court that he intended to file a motion to dismiss the indictment due to the prosecution withholding evidence about the case.

A status hearing was scheduled on Oct. 11 to settle the motion.

On March 19, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman separated Tibbs case from 25-year-old  Cinquan Cartledge‘s case. Both are charged with the murder.

According to Cartledge’s defense attorney, Carol Blume, Cartledge wanted to separate his trial from Tibbs, 26, so he could be a witness in Tibbs’ trial. Blume said Cartledge wanted to prove his friend’s innocence.

If Tibbs, wanted to do the same, Judge Edelman said he would have to give up his right against self-incrimination in order to testify for Cartledge.

Tibbs said he would testify for Cartledge even if he was found guilty during his trial. Judge Edelman said he would schedule Tibbs’ trial before Cartledge’s, which would allow Tibbs to reserve his right to testify in his own trial.

According to court documents, Tibbs and Cartledge were wearing GPS ankle monitors that placed them near the scene of Silver’s murder. Two witnesses identified Tibbs as the shooter shortly after witnessing the incident.

A police officer said he saw Tibbs throw a loaded pistol, which the prosecution said was the same gun used in Silver’s murder.

Tibbs trial is scheduled on Nov. 18.