Judge Expects Trial to Begin This Week

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 15, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Jury selection began on Jan. 14 for a murder trial that is expected to begin opening statements later in the week.

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

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman told the parties that he expected trial to begin on Jan. 16 because the defense wanted to go over more discovery materials that was given to them over the weekend.

The parties spent the day picking jurors for the trial and asked them to report back on Thursday.

Tibbs was initially charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Cinquan Cartledge is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

In March of 2019, Cartledge’s motion to sever his case from Tibbs’ case was granted. D.C. Witness reported that Cartledge, 24, 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.

Tibbs wanted to also testify to Cartledge’s innocence.

Cartledge is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 14.

Cartledge’s jury trial is scheduled to begin on May 4.