GUILTY TX - Michael Swearingin, 32, & Jenna Scott, 28, Temple, Bell County, found deceased, 4 Jan 2019 #2

[Niner]

So - @PommyMommy - any updates in the court site yet? Next up trial on 4/17/23?? or more hearings? 4/14/23? TIA!

 

[PommyMommy]

Not much, @Niner. More subpoena's and this:

• 04/11/2023 Amended Filing (e-File)
  Comment AMENDED NOTICE OF OTHER CRIMES, WRONGS, OR ACTS
• 04/11/2023 Witness List
  Comment STATE'S WITNESS LIST
  
  

  Bell County Odyssey Portal

  justice.bellcounty.texas.gov

 

[Niner]

Not much, @Niner. More subpoena's and this:

• 04/11/2023 Amended Filing (e-File)
  Comment AMENDED NOTICE OF OTHER CRIMES, WRONGS, OR ACTS
• 04/11/2023 Witness List
  Comment STATE'S WITNESS LIST
  
  

  Bell County Odyssey Portal

  justice.bellcounty.texas.gov

Thank you! I shall go ahead & put him on Monday for trial.

 

[DebW]

Trial starts Monday. Looks like it may take 3 weeks.

 

[PommyMommy]

Trial starts Monday. Looks like it may take 3 weeks.

Hi Deb, how are you holding up?

Three weeks doesn't seem too long considering how long it took to seat the jury! MOO

 

[Niner]

Hi Deb, how are you holding up?

Three weeks doesn't seem too long considering how long it took to seat the jury! MOO

I believe this is the longest I have seen jury selection take!! It is probably because he is representing himself.

And @PommyMommy - are there any updates in the court site? I have moved him to Monday for trial!! Finally!!

 

[PommyMommy]

Here you go, @Niner. There are also pages and pages of subpoena entries...I have never seen so many subpoenas.

• 04/13/2023 Judge's Docket Sheet
  Comment
  - Motions in Limine presented; State's Motions a-o granted - as to (n) - request both sides to refer to each as they have - State to refer to Mr. Marks as such, Mr. Marks to refer to prosecution as District Attorney. Def mot a, b - granted as to guilt/innocence phase; Def. Neil motion granted as to witnesses with no history/actual knowledge of Mr. Marks. - Mr. Green (stand by) references amended notice by state - Rpdo did not confer with def re: discovery. - General voir dire - Ms. Newell for state; break at 10:05am - return at 10:25am - S. Newell continues - break - 10:55am - #76 excused by agreement; exempt. - 11:10am - Mr. Marks voir dire - 11:18am - break - #41 struck by agmt, #18 struck by agmt, #19 struck by agmt, #110 struck by agmt, #115 struck by agmt; #140 struck by agmt; - #6, #113, #72, #69 - add'l questions - - #6 struck for cause by agmt - #113 - def motion to strike for cause; denied. - #72 - exempt - #69 - def motion to strike for cause; denied. - release the struck jurors/exemptions - advise remainder to come back at 1:30pm Lunch break - #90 - agreed strike Peremptory strikes as follows: State - #4, 13, 15, 16, 35, 36, 53, 70, 98, 104, 124, 135, 139, 157, 179 (alt). Def - #1, 2, 7, 8, 43, 44, 45, 49, 66, 69, 113, 123, 128, 160, 163, 182 (alt). Mr. Marks - Batson motion - #98, 124, 139, 179 - denied. Mr. Marks - request for add'l peremptory strikes - denied. Bring panel back in - call names of the jurors and alternates. Both sides agree to jurors & alternates seated. Release remaining members of panel. Discuss logistics/timing, etc. with jury. Recess for day. ct rep: c. dixon state: H. Garza/S. Newell/C. Lane-Taft def: C. Marks (self rep) /s/ Steve Duskie
  
  
• 04/14/2023 Order In Limine
  Comment
  ORDER ON STATE'S MOTION IN LIMINE SIGNED BY JUDGE DUSKIE
• 04/14/2023 Pro Se Motion
  Comment
  ORDER ON: MOTION IN LIMINE SIGNED BY JUDGE DUSKIE
• 04/14/2023 Pro Se Motion
  Comment
  ORDER ON : MOTION IN LIMINE SIGNED BY JUDGE DUSKIE
  
  
• 04/17/2023 Jury Trial
  Judicial Officer
  Duskie, Steven J
  Hearing Time
  09:00 AM

Bell County Odyssey Portal

justice.bellcounty.texas.gov

 

[Niner]

Thank you @PommyMommy. Now I am wondering how many alternates were chosen. Have not seen an references to that.

 

[PommyMommy]

Thank you @PommyMommy. Now I am wondering how many alternates were chosen. Have not seen an references to that.

I haven't either. Can't find a single MSM article but I"m hoping that changes next week. MOO

 

[DebW]

Hi Deb, how are you holding up?

Three weeks doesn't seem too long considering how long it took to seat the jury! MOO

I’m doing ok. Starting to get a little anxious. We’ve waited so long for this day to come.
If anyone here is the praying type, we sure do covet your prayers.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 15, 2023

Death penalty case: Testimony begins Monday in Marks’ capital murder trial

Cedric Marks will be fighting for his life when testimony begins Monday morning in his capital murder trial for the slayings of two Temple residents.

kdhnews.com

[...]

State District Judge Steven Duskie of the 426th District Court will preside over the trial, which starts at 9 a.m. Monday at the Bell County Justice Center. The trial is expected to include testimony from more than 275 witnesses. More than 100 Central Texas residents, including victims’ relatives and co-defendant Maya Maxwell, are expected to testify.

Representatives from 20 law enforcement agencies including federal officers and those from Oklahoma and Michigan also will testify. More than 40 Temple Police Department officers will be called to the stand.

[...]

In addition to the capital murder and burglary charge, Marks remains in the Bell County Jail with bonds that total more than $2 million. He also is charged with tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair, interfering with an emergency call, making a false report to a police officer and violation of a protective order with bias/prejudice, a case that involved Scott.

[...]

Amid all the allegations, Marks has maintained his innocence and will defend himself with defense attorneys available as standby counsel for legal questions.

“I have been sitting in that cell for three years for something that I didn’t do,” he said during a pre-trial hearing.

[...]

Also see:

TIMELINE | Double-murder trial of Cedric Marks to begin Monday

The MMA fighter is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and her friend, Michael Swearingin, in Temple back in January 2019.

www.kcentv.com

 

[PommyMommy]

I’m doing ok. Starting to get a little anxious. We’ve waited so long for this day to come.
If anyone here is the praying type, we sure do covet your prayers.

You got it!

 

[Niner]

After today I shall leave off the TN/MN case.

Monday, April 17th:
*Trial set to begin (@ 9am CT) - TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK on Jan. 19, 2019) – *Cedric Joseph Marks (44/now 48) (ex bf of Scott’s) arrested (1/8/19) in Kent County, Mich. for a burglary warrant, waived extradition to Texas. *Charged (2/4/19), indicted (4/3/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with capital murder of multiple persons & tampering with evidence. $2,016,500 Bond. DA will seek DP. Bond reduction denied (3/30/21). Will be representing himself.
*Charged (2/4/19), indicted (4/3/19) & arraigned (4/10/19) with interfering w/emergency call, false report to police officer violating protective order, burglary habitation intend.
*Charged & indicted (3/13/19) & arraigned (4/26/19) with 1st degree felony burglary (on 8/21/18 at Scott’s home). $16,500 bond on charges of interference with an emergency call, making a false police report & violation of a protection order, bond for the burglary charge is $250K, the murder of multiple persons is carrying a bond of $1.5 million & $250K. Plead not guilty to all charges.
Trial was set to begin on 2/20/23 with jury selection (could last 3 week). Judge Steven J. Duskie presiding. Representing himself (pro se). From 3/27/23 to 4/4/23 with a total of 69 potential jurors selected. Final individual voir dire happened on 4/13/23.
Trial set to begin on 4/17/23.
Court information from 2/3/19 thru 2/9/23 & Jury Selection Days 1 to 29 (2/20 to 4/4/23) & 4/5/23 reference post #180 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...enna-scott-28-temple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-9
4/11/23: Amended notice of other crimes, wrongs, or acts filed. State's witness list. 4/12/23: Pretrial hearing. No info available.
4/13/23 Update: Judge's Docket Sheet. Motions in Limine presented; State's Motions a-o granted - as to (n) - request both sides to refer to each as they have - State to refer to Mr. Marks as such, Mr. Marks to refer to prosecution as District Attorney. Defendant's motion a, b - granted as to guilt/innocence phase; Defense Neil motion granted as to witnesses with no history/actual knowledge of Mr. Marks. Mr. Green (stand by) references amended notice by State - Rpdo did not confer with defense re: discovery. General voir dire continues for final jury selection. 2 selected in morning session. Mr. Marks - Batson motion - #98, 124, 139, 179 - denied. Mr. Marks - request for add'l peremptory strikes - denied. Bring panel back in - call names of the jurors & alternates. Both sides agree to jurors & alternates seated. Release remaining members of panel. Discuss logistics/timing, etc. with jury. Recess for day. Order on State's Motion in Limine signed by Judge Duskie. Two Pro Se motions. Order on Motion in Limine signed by Judge Duskie. Trial begins on Monday, 4/17/23.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 5/19/23.
*Ginell Marie McDonough – 1/31/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 11/19/20 where charges were dismissed, will testify against Marks.
TN/MN – April Lee Pease (30) (missing Mar. 17, 2009, Bloomington, not found) - *Cedric Joseph Marks (45/now 48) charged (3/16/20) with 2nd degree murder in the abduction & death of April.
*Kellee Kristine Sorensen (34/now 36) – charged (3/16/20) with 2nd degree murder. $3K conditional bond. In custody in Washington State.

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 17, 2023

The trial of Cedric Marks underway in Bell County, families await justice​

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 17, 2023

Testimony begins in Cedric Marks capital murder trial

The first day of testimony in the Cedric Marks capital murder trial started at 9 a.m. Monday in Bell County’s 426th District Court.

www.kxan.com

Around 10 a.m. Monday, prosecutors gave opening statements in the trial. They provided information on Marks and Maxwell being found near at a Walmart in Henrietta, Oklahoma – where they purchased clothes and a shovel to bury Michael Swearingin and Jenna Scott.

Marks’ co-defendant is Maya Maxwell, who is accused of helping him dispose of the bodies of Scott and Swearingin – as well as Swearingin’s car. According to court documents, Maxwell told police that she also drove the car to Austin to throw police off.

Maxwell also gave birth to a son she shares with Marks while behind bars. He is now three years old – and, at last report, is in foster care.

Testimony begins in Cedric Marks Capital Murder trial

BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) – The first day of testimony in the Cedric Marks Capital Murder trial started at 9 a.m. Monday in Bell County’s 426th District Court. As of around 10 a.m. Mo…

www.fox44news.com

Michael Swearingen’s mother, DH, was the first to take the witness stand. She gave remarks of Swearingen – saying Marks threatened him on court grounds during Scott’s protective hearing in 2018. After the hearing in 2018, DH said Swearingen wanted to have a gun and found out he stayed with a friend for a week until a security system was installed in his home.

Around 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jenna Scott’s mother K took to the witness stand. She shared she knew well of Jenna and Mark’s relationship. K said Jenna spoke of Mark physically and emotionally abusing her. K recounted when Jenna spoke in court for her protective order about Mark choking her until unconscious.

K says Jenna became fearful of Mark always making it a point to be near someone. Karen said Jenna felt that he would kill her. K said Jenna experienced Mark sending emails to her professors at UMHB to get her nursing license restricted.

As of around 2:45 p.m. Monday, Cedric Marks is about to cross examine Jenna Scott’s mother, K. He plans to bring forth exhibits for the jury.

 

[PommyMommy]

What a cocky, arrogant...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1648003682183643138

 

[PommyMommy]

I cannot imagine how hard it would be to sit on the witness stand and be questioned by the monster who murdered your child. Just unimaginable.

APR 17, 2023

Cedric Marks Trial | Mothers of murder victims take the stand first, give emotional testimony​

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, April 18th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ 9am CT) - TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK on Jan. 19, 2019) – *Cedric Joseph Marks (44/now 48) (ex bf of Scott’s) arrested (1/8/19) in Kent County, Mich. for a burglary warrant, waived extradition to Texas. *Charged (2/4/19), indicted (4/3/19) & arraigned (5/10/19) with capital murder of multiple persons & tampering with evidence. $2,016,500 Bond. DA will seek DP. Bond reduction denied (3/30/21). Will be representing himself.
*Charged (2/4/19), indicted (4/3/19) & arraigned (4/10/19) with interfering w/emergency call, false report to police officer violating protective order, burglary habitation intend.
*Charged & indicted (3/13/19) & arraigned (4/26/19) with 1st degree felony burglary (on 8/21/18 at Scott’s home). $16,500 bond on charges of interference with an emergency call, making a false police report & violation of a protection order, bond for the burglary charge is $250K, the murder of multiple persons is carrying a bond of $1.5 million & $250K. Plead not guilty to all charges.
Trial was set to begin on 2/20/23 with jury selection (could last 3 week). Judge Steven J. Duskie presiding. Representing himself (pro se). From 3/27/23 to 4/4/23 with a total of 69 potential jurors selected. Final individual voir dire happened on 4/13/23.
Trial began on 4/17/23.
Court information from 2/3/19 thru 2/9/23 & Jury Selection Days 1 to 29 (2/20 to 4/4/23) & 4/5/23 thru 4/13/23 reference post #193 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...nna-scott-28-temple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-10
4/17/23 Monday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by prosecutor & Marks.
State witnesses: Deborah Harrison, Michael's mother. Karen Scott, Jenna's mother.
For more info see post #195 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...emple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-2.577817/page-10
Trial continues on Tuesday, 4/18/23. Scott will be back on witness stand.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 5/19/23.
*Ginell Marie McDonough – 1/31/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 11/19/20 where charges were dismissed, will testify against Marks.

 

[DebW]

What a cocky, arrogant...

https://twitter.com/x/status/1648003682183643138

He thinks he’s god.

 

[DebW]

I cannot imagine how hard it would be to sit on the witness stand and be questioned by the monster who murdered your child. Just unimaginable.

APR 17, 2023

Cedric Marks Trial | Mothers of murder victims take the stand first, give emotional testimony​

My sister is a kind, gentle, quiet soul. The fortitude it took for her to do what she had to do can only be attributed to her faith. She will tell you that. Not only did she answer his questions, she managed to tell him TO HIS EVIL FACE what our family all knows - that he murdered Jenna because she rejected him. She’s my hero.