Jeffery Marks, Brady Rogers and Michele King


Charges change in Poche killing

Downgraded from first-degree murder to manslaughter for Jeffery Marks while second suspect, Michele King, may face death penalty

By Corey Vaughn
The New Iberian

One of the suspects charged in the killing of 75-year-old Howard Poche in December in Jeanerette has had his charges lowered from first-degree murder to manslaughter, while the state is pursuing the death penalty for another suspect.
Jeffery Marks and Michele King have been jailed since December as suspects in the death of Jeanerette resident Howard Poche. Poche’s body was found in a garbage bin on the back patio of his house on Guiberteau Street in Jeanerette.

Marks, who has a trial date set for Oct. 16, entered a not guilty plea to the murder of Poche. Assistant District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District Court Rob Vines told the court on March 16 the state would pursue the death penalty against Marks.

However, court documents since then have indicated there was a reversal and the death penalty would not be sought for Marks. The charge of first-degree murderalso has been lowered to manslaughter.

During a hearing in May, Detective Shawn Moore with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office was called to testify on the case. Minutes of that meeting indicate the court found probable cause after hearing arguments of counsel.

The defense noted the defendant previously was ordered to be held without bond on the original charge of first-degree murder. Because he is now charged with manslaughter, and the case is no longer a capital matter, Comeaux ordered a bond of $200,000 to be placed on Marks.

Marks’ lawyer Harry Daniels III also filed a motion to inspect the crime scene, which Comeaux granted, and said Daniels should coordinate with the IPSO and state to view the crime scene.

King, 45, had a hearing on May 9 in front of Judge Lewis Pitman for felony arraignment. During that hearing, the plaintiff informed the court the case is now a capital matter, meaning the death penalty would be sought, and the case needs to be taken up before the allotted judge.

The third suspect in the murder is Roy Verret, 49, of Jeanerette. Verret was arrested April 19 for first-degree murder in connection with the crime.

http://www.iberianet.com/charges-cha...1222bcd22.html
Howard Poche