MEDIA ADVISORY
September 16, 2013
SIXTEEN (16) YEAR OLD WILL BE CHARGED AS AN ADULT FOR ROBBERY WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND CRUELTY TO AN ANIMAL
Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. 296-1888
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On September 13, 2013, Marquis Gary, age 16, of Elkhart appeared for an evidentiary hearing on the State of Indianas petition to try him as an adult for his alleged involvement in a robbery where he stole money from a man at gunpoint and for his involvement in the death of a dog that occurred as result of a fireworks exploding in the dogs mouth. During the hearing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer Munro argued that Marquis Gary is beyond the rehabilitation of the juvenile system, that community resources in the juvenile system had already been exhausted on Marquis Gary, and that the alleged criminal acts indicate Marquis Gary represents a risk to the community.
On September 16, 2013, the juvenile court announced the decision to waive Marquis Gary to Circuit Court. Based upon the evidence that was presented, Magistrate Deborah Domine found probable cause to believe that Marquis Gary committed the acts of Robbery While Armed with a Deadly Weapon, a Class B Felony, and Cruelty to an Animal, a Class D Felony. The court also determined that juvenile resources had been exhausted on Marquis Gary and that it would be in the best interest of the community for him to be charged as an adult. The court ordered Marquis Gary to be waived to Circuit Court. He was transferred to Elkhart County Jail, and a $5,000 bond was set for the charge of Cruelty to an Animal. A $50,000 bond was set for the charge of Robbery.
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Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
