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

[PommyMommy]

Noting court date for @Niner.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1661496997491220482

Jury finds Cedric Marks guilty of capital murder in killings of ex-girlfriend and her friend​

The jury began deliberating at about 1:40 p.m. and announced its verdict shortly after 5 p.m.

 

[DebW]

O happy day!

 

[Niner]

I did not think the jury would come back with a not guilty verdict!
Good to hear guilty this morning!

 

[DebW]

From the moment we found out Jenna was missing, we KNEW Marks was involved. Glad the jury saw through his smoke and mirrors.

 

[cocomod]

I did not think the jury would come back with a not guilty verdict!
Good to hear guilty this morning!

His defense was quite ridiculous! I am so glad he was found guilty. He is such a violent person! One more to go!

 

[DebW]

His defense was quite ridiculous! I am so glad he was found guilty. He is such a violent person! One more to go!

If by “one more to go“ you mean Maya Maxwell, she accepted a plea bargain in exchange for her testimony. Her testimony was vital. He’d be a free man if she hadn’t told the truth. And we’d still be looking for Jenna and Michael. My opinion of Maya and her involvement has completely changed. It took incredible fortitude for her to tell what happened back in January 2019. To literally look that demon in the eyes and call him a liar. My opinion only.

 

[cocomod]

If by “one more to go“ you mean Maya Maxwell, she accepted a plea bargain in exchange for her testimony. Her testimony was vital. He’d be a free man if she hadn’t told the truth. And we’d still be looking for Jenna and Michael. My opinion of Maya and her involvement has completely changed. It took incredible fortitude for her to tell what happened back in January 2019. To literally look that demon in the eyes and call him a liar. My opinion only.

Oh boy!! I totally agree about Maya. O can’t imagine how much courage it took.

I meant, doesn’t he still need to face the murder charge for April?

 

[DebW]

Oh boy!! I totally agree about Maya. O can’t imagine how much courage it took.

I meant, doesn’t he still need to face the murder charge for April?

I’m not sure what will happen with the April Pease case. He needs to atone for that one as well. Her family needs some sort of closure. They’ve suffered way too long.

 

[Niner]

Oh boy!! I totally agree about Maya. O can’t imagine how much courage it took.

I meant, doesn’t he still need to face the murder charge for April?

This is what I have in my notes for April's case.

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. Hennepin County no update as of 5/25/23.
*Kellee Kristine Sorensen (34/now 36) – charged (3/16/20) with 2nd degree murder. $3K conditional bond. In custody in Washington State. Washington: Whatcom County #20-1-00334-37 no update in MN as of 5/25/23.
Pease transferred to the Bloomington shelter after being located by Marks at another shelter in Washington. Sometime after the transfer, police investigators say Marks & Sorenson traveled from Washington to Minnesota to find Pease in March 2009. Pease was allegedly taken against her will and driven southbound on I-35, before being killed at an unknown location by Marks as Sorenson sat in the vehicle, according to statements obtained by detectives. Pease's body has never been found.
3/16/20 Update: The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has charged two people with second-degree murder in connection to the 2009 abduction of April Pease. Cedric Joseph Marks, 45 of Texas & Kellee Kristine Sorensen of Washington are currently in police custody in their home states. As of 3/16/20 Marks is on trial in Texas for murder of Michael Swearingin & Jenna Scott.
3/17/20 Update: Fugitive hearing; notice statement of rights. 3/18/20 Update: Fugitive & Motion hearing. Order & Warrant of arrest; detention of fugitive complaint & waiver of extradition on 3/20/20.
5/10/20 Update: Sorenson charged with second-degree murder with intent but without premeditation in the 2009 death of April Pease, was released from Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota on a $3,000 conditional bond on 5/10/20.
3/17/21 Update: Sorenson: Motion hearing held. Order & Warrant of arrest detention of fugitive complaint. 3/20/20: Waiver of extradition.

 

[DebW]

Day 28 of JT; - conference with State/Def (and Stand by counsel) on record; - outside presence of jury State's Ex. 864 admitted (compilation of electronic docs). 10:30am - bring jury in - Read charge of the court argument from both sides. Jury sent to deliberate at 1:37pm. Questions/notes with responses 1-4 (all relating to evidence requests. Jury returns verdict of guilty, read verdict, request all jurors to raise right hand if that was how they voted - and is unanimous. Find verdict form proper and accept. Reset for sentencing on June 5 at 8:45am. Remand def into custody of sheriff. ct rep: b. young state: h. garza / s. newell def: c. marks (self) stand by: g. greene / j. galligan /s/ Steve Duskie

Those last 4 sentences - music to my ears!

 

[PommyMommy]

Sentencing phase of Cedric Marks trial to begin June 5​

The jury will hear victim impact statements during the proceedings.
Marks faces the possibility of the death penalty.

 

[Niner]

Monday, June 5th:
*Sentencing Phase Hearing begins (@ 9am CT) - TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK on Jan. 12, 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. 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. Judge Steven J. Duskie presiding. Representing himself (pro se).
Trial began on 4/17/23 & State rested their case on 5/19/23. Defense started case on 5/19/23 & rested on 5/23/23.
Jury started deliberations on 5/24/23 @ ~1:30pm & ended ~5pm with a guilty verdict of all charges.
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 & Trial Day 1-27 (4/17-5/23/23) reference post #318 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...nna-scott-28-temple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-16
5/24/23 Wednesday, Trial Day 28: Closing arguments by First assistant District Attorney Stephanie Newell & District Attorney, Henry Garza & for defense Cedric Marks. Jury started deliberations at 1:30pm & ended about 5pm with a guilty verdict for the deaths of Michael & Jenna & all other charges.
For more info see post #321 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...emple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-2.577817/page-17
Sentencing phase hearing begins on 6/5/23. The jury will hear victim impact statements during the proceedings. Marks faces the possibility of the death penalty.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 7/7/23. Accepting a plea deal to serve 20 years for two counts of tampering with evidence with chance of parole.
*Ginell Marie McDonough – 1/31/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 11/19/20 where charges were dismissed, testified 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]

JUN 5, 2023

Tapes reviewed in sentencing phase of Cedric Marks Capital trial

BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) – The sentencing phase of the Cedric Marks Capital Murder trial is underway in Bell County’s 426th District Court on Monday, June 5. The jury can now decide if they wan…

www.fox44news.com

[...]

A Bloomington, Minnesota detective was the first witness to speak on the morning of June 5. Marks asked for a mistrial and wanted to deny evidence being admitted, but was overruled.

The court heard both VHS tapes Marks recorded to his son Adrian and Ginell in relation to the disappearance of April Pease. In Adrian’s tape, Marks said April is a terrible mother and Marks was coming to save him. Marks said if he failed, he at least succeeded in freeing Adrian.

[...]

Washington State Child Custody Investigator Kyle Barber was the next witness to speak. Barber was assigned to Marks and Pease custody case in October 2008 after Pease filed protective orders charges in September 2008.

[...]

April Pease’s mother, Dorothy, testified this afternoon on April’s state in 2008-2009 and April’s relationship with Marks. Dorothy mentioned how April knew Marks would never leave her alone. Dorothy said Marks discovered that April went to a women’s shelter in Washington through Ginell and Kelly Sorenson calling to find her location for Marks to show up at April’s shelter to be arrested.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 5, 2023

Cedric Marks sentencing trial | State seeks death penalty

The state is seeking the death penalty for his role in the deaths of his ex-girlfriend, Jenna Scott, and her friend, Michael Swearingin in Temple back in 2019.

www.kcentv.com

[...]

During Monday's hearing, the state focused on another ex-girlfriend of Marks, April Pease. Marks was charged with second-degree murder for her death after she went missing 2009.

In court, her mother, Dorothy Pease, testified how she believes Marks killed her daughter. She said Marks choked her and that her daughter explained how she was afraid of him.

[...]

A video of marks dedicated to Pease's other two children and his son was played in court. In the video, Marks can be seen and heard apologizing to the three children for quote "What he was about to do."

That video was taken just a few days before Pease went missing.

Sentencing is expected to last until Wednesday.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 5, 2023

‘I am fighting for my (expletive) life’: Cedric Marks lashes out at prosecutor as state pursues death penalty

Two weeks after Cedric Marks was found guilty of capital murder, he’s now representing himself in the sentencing phase. This time, in an orange jumpsuit.

www.kwtx.com

[...]

The court learned the Marks and Pease had a nasty custody battle over their son, he said Pease was unfit to raise the child.

In the video to his children, he said he’s about to do something that will either put him in prison for the rest of his life or get him killed. But he doesn’t mind if it means protecting his son from Pease.

He said in the video to his children, “Even if I was to get away with this, I’ll show you this (video.) I’m a bad person, but I’m not a bad person to let a child to get hurt. I hope to be reunited with you, but if I fail at this, I succeeded anyway because I freed you.”

In the second video, he tells McDonough to take care of his children. He also said he lied to her about leaving to fight in a MMA match, when he really was, “going to get our boy,” so she wouldn’t stop him.

Marks was seen wiping his eyes once the videos were finished playing.

[...]

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, June 6th:
*Sentencing Phase Hearing continues (Day 2) (@ 9am CT) - TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK on Jan. 12, 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. 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. Judge Steven J. Duskie presiding. Representing himself (pro se).
Trial began on 4/17/23 & State rested their case on 5/19/23. Defense started case on 5/19/23 & rested on 5/23/23.
Jury started deliberations on 5/24/23 @ ~1:30pm to 5pm – guilty of all charges.
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 & Trial Day 1-28 (4/17-5/24/23) reference post #332 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...nna-scott-28-temple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-17
6/5/23 Sentencing phase hearing (Day 1): Marks asked for a mistrial and wanted to deny evidence being admitted, but was overruled. The court heard both videos Marks recorded to his son Adrian & his wife Ginell McDonough, in relation to the disappearance of April Pease.
State witnesses: A Bloomington, Minnesota detective (no name given). Washington State Child Custody Investigator Kyle Barber re protective order in October, 2008 filed by April Pease. April Pease’s mother, Dottie (Dorothy). Sentencing is expected to last until Wednesday.
For more info see posts #333 to 335 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...emple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-2.577817/page-17
Sentencing phase continues on Tuesday, 6/6/23.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 7/7/23. Accepting a plea deal to serve 20 years for two counts of tampering with evidence with chance of parole.
*Ginell Marie McDonough – 1/31/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 11/19/20 where charges were dismissed, testified against Marks.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 6, 2023

Cedric Marks sentencing : Capital murder suspect’s ex-wife testifies about his confession to killing mother of his child

The state rested its case Tuesday. The convicted killer, representing himself in court, will cross-examine witnesses on Wednesday.

www.kwtx.com

[...]

Scott’s father, Johnathan, said it’s been hard to adjust to their new normal with Jenna being gone. He said there’s a large a void, especially for the victim’s 14-year-old daughter.

[...]

Swearingin’s mother, Debbie Harrison, didn’t hold back, saying that the murder of Michael was gut wrenching. She said since his passing, it’s caused depression, health problems, and more lives lost for family and friends.

“Marks is all about his children and talks about how wonderful they are. What about my child? Or Karen Scott’s? Or Dorthy Pease’s child? Think about that Mr. Marks,” said Harrison, “He has many friends. He didn’t meet anyone who didn’t love him except Cedric Marks.”

[...]

Marks, who is representing himself in court, recalled his suspected accomplice in the murders, Maya Maxwell, to the stand. He accused Maxwell of kidnapping the victims with her ex-boyfriend. Maxwell looked confused when confronted with Marks’ claims, and denied his allegations saying, “You were the person who did this.”

Marks used profanity toward Judge Duskie and the prosecution twice, resulting in him having to be removed both times.

... An ex-girlfriend, Sharon Baxter, named a time where Marks choked her, and when Marks broke her boyfriend’s jaw in two places while threatening to kill him.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 6, 2023

Marks’ ex-wife confirms murder confession

BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) – The sentencing phase of the Cedric Marks Capital Murder trial continues in Bell County’s 426th District Court on Tuesday, June 6. Charles Roberts testified on the mor…

www.fox44news.com

[...]

Charles Roberts testified on the morning of Tuesday, June 6 about how Marks broke his jaw while enlisted at Fort Hood in 2001.

Roberts was in an intimate relationship with Sharon Baxter at the time, after she broke up with Marks.

[...]

Charles Roberts testified on the morning of Tuesday, June 6 about how Marks broke his jaw while enlisted at Fort Hood in 2001.

Roberts was in an intimate relationship with Sharon Baxter at the time, after she broke up with Marks.

[...]

Recounting Marks confession, McDonough said Marks and his former girlfriend Kelly Sorenson got Pease in Minnesota to kill her in an abandoned shack in North or South Dakota.

McDonough wasn’t certain as to how Pease was killed, but said via Marks confession, he made April’s body unidentifiable removing her hands and feet.

[...]

Ginell’s former boss, Sgt. Georgia Warrix, testified next hearing Marks verbally abuse Ginell.

[...]

In cross examination with the prosecution, Maxwell also confirmed in front of the jury Marks confessing to her about how he killed April Pease.

Maxwell said Marks was euphoric in sharing the details as if he was bragging about cutting up April’s body.

[...]

Marks has three more witnesses to speak and court will end early tomorrow afternoon.

[...]

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, June 7th:
*Sentencing Phase Hearing continues (Day 3) (@ 9am CT) - TX – Michael Lee Swearingin (32) & Jenna Kay Scott (28) (Jan. 4, 2019, Temple; found in Clearview, OK on Jan. 12, 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. 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. Judge Steven J. Duskie presiding. DA Henry Garza & 1st Asst. DA Stephanie Newell. Marks is representing himself (pro se).
Trial began on 4/17/23 & State rested their case on 5/19/23. Defense started case on 5/19/23 & rested on 5/23/23.
Jury started deliberations on 5/24/23 @ ~1:30pm to 5pm – guilty of all charges.
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 & Trial Day 1-28 (4/17-5/24/23) & Sentencing Phase Day 1 (6/5/23) reference post #336 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...nna-scott-28-temple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-17
6/6/23 Sentencing phase hearing (Day 2): State witnesses: Charles Roberts, boyfriend of Sharon’s. Sharon Baxter, ex-girlfriend. Ginell McDonough. Sgt. Georgia Warrix, Ginell’s former boss. Jonathan Scott, Jenna’s father. Deborah Harrison, Michael’s mother.
Defense witness: Maya Maxwell.
Marks has three more witnesses to speak & court will end early tomorrow afternoon.
For more info see posts #337 & 338 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...emple-bell-county-4-jan-2019-2.577817/page-17
Sentencing phase continues on Wednesday, 6/7/23 ending early afternoon.
*Maya Renee Maxwell – Pretrial hearing on 7/7/23. Accepting a plea deal to serve 20 years for two counts of tampering with evidence with chance of parole.
*Ginell Marie McDonough – 1/31/20: Plead guilty. Sentencing on 11/19/20 where charges were dismissed, testified against Marks.

 

[PommyMommy]

JUN 7, 2023

'It's time for me to speak after four and a half years' | Cedric Marks calls himself as the last witness in sentencing phase of trial

Marks went over his prior bad acts, starting at the age of seven when he was charged with arson.

www.kcentv.com

[...]

Before Marks testified, he called in two women to speak about their previous relationships with him. One said Marks owed her $30,000. The other testified Marks lied and manipulated her in their relationship.

Marks then said he was ready to testify on his own behalf. ...

"It's time for me to speak after four and a half years," Marks said to begin his testimony. "I want you to hear the good, bad and ugly."

Marks went over his prior bad acts which started at the age of seven when he was charged with arson.

[...]

Marks then spoke about his ex-girlfriend April Pease, whom Marks is also accused of killing in a different case. He said Pease was a recovering meth addict and was holding onto their child.

While Marks spoke about Pease, Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza objected for hearsay and speculation.

"Dude, stop being a cry baby," Marks said in response.

[...]

Marks will continue to share his testimony on Thursday, June 8 at 9:15 a.m. in the Bell County Justice Center. Prosecutors will have the chance to cross examine him after.

[...]