2 Savannah teens plead not guilty in fatal Sept. shooting of 14-year-old

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Now 19-year-old Marcus Thomas Jr. and 18-year-old Caesar Thompkins Jr. appeared in court today on charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and criminal attempt to commit armed robbery.

They were both indicted back in February for the death of 14-year-old Markel Bush.

Before a Chatham County Superior Court Judge, the teens both pleaded not guilty and requested a trial by jury.

It’s still up in the air if the two co-defendants will separate prior to trial.

The shooting

On Sept. 18 at approximately 3:36 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of W. 57th St. Upon arrival, they discovered 14-year-old Markel Bush unresponsive inside a residence suffering from a gunshot wound.

Though it’s unclear if he was shot outside and ran into that home, police have not said.

Officers also conducted a traffic stop at W. 63rd St. and Montgomery St. on a vehicle leaving the scene.

Thomas Jr., who had sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, was found in the vehicle, as he was shot as well.

Detectives have not clarified on the record who shot first.

EMS transported both Thomas Jr. and Bush to Memorial Health University Medical Center for treatment, where Bush died from his injury.

Thompkins Jr. turned himself in to U.S. Marshals and was taken into custody.

The shooting itself happened inside Montgomery Landing apartments in Savannah, located at 714 West 57th Street, reportedly at building 400.

It’s still unclear if this will become a self-defense case. We are still awaiting speaking with prosecutors.

Thomas Jr. has no prior criminal history.

Thompkins Jr. only has misdemeanor obstruction, pedestrian in the road, and trespassing charges prior to this.

Their next day in court will be on August 28th, again in front of Judge Middleton.