Murder Defendants Plead Not Guilty

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Approximately one year after a 27-year-old man was murdered in the northeast quadrant of the District of Columbia, the defendants pleaded not guilty Oct. 10 after a judge read charges for their alleged roles in the homicide.  

Markale Moore and Tyrone Harris are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Arthur Thompkins on the 5400 block of Hunt Place, NE. Moore, 29, and Harris, 30, are also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Harris also faces an assault with a dangerous weapon charge.

According to court documents, Thompkins, whose manner of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds, sustained 10 shots to the head, back and abdomen. 

Police found Thompkins in the driver’s seat of a black Ford F-150 pickup truck, according to the documents.

Apparently, Moore and Thompkins had an argument earlier that same day, which, according to the documents, was about money and a woman. Witnesses reported that Moore shot Thompkins and Harris drove the getaway car. A witness also reported that Thompkins was armed because he was concerned for his safety. 

Moore and Harris are currently being held without bond.

The co-defendants are scheduled for a status hearing on Dec. 3.

Follow D.C. Witness for further updates on the case.