Salisbury Man Pleads Guilty to First Degree Murder

Marquis Cortez Williams, age 20, of Salisbury, Maryland, pleaded guilty to First Degree Murder in connection with the shooting of Jackie Dewayne Hopkins which occurred on June 28, 2010 in close proximity to the VFW on West Main Street and Mitchell Road.

The guilty plea was announced by Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello and Salisbury City Police Chief Barbara Duncan.

Detectives with the Salisbury City Criminal Investigation Division state that witnesses to the incident told them that the victim, Jackie Hopkins, was attempting to enter his vehicle which was parked on the 800 block of West Main Street when the Defendant, Marquis Cortez Williams and Taquez Price (a co-Defendant) approached Hopkins and demanded money.  Salisbury City Police  officers stated that Marquis Williams pulled out a handgun during the robbery and shot Jackie Hopkins.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, the Court sentenced the Defendant to life imprisonment with all but 30 years suspended.  Notably, the Defendant’s co-conspirator, Taquez Price was tried and convicted of First Degree Murder in a jury trial on January 27, 2011.  After the verdict, the Court sentenced Taquez Price to life imprisonment with all but 28 years suspended.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney, Matthew A. Maciarello stated “this was a senseless act of violence committed by two individuals without any regard for the life that they took on June 28, 2010. One can only hope that these two criminals will gain some appreciation for their actions while spending a few decades in prison”  Mr. Maciarello commended the Salisbury Police Department, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland State Police for their work in the investigation. Mr. Maciarello also thanked Deputy State’s Attorney, Ella M. Disharoon for prosecuting the case.

Press Release from the Office of the Wicomico County State’s Attorney