A 28-year-old Alexandria man is behind bars accused of second-degree murder.
On February 9, 2019, patrol deputies responded to a local hospital in reference to a report of cruelty to the infirmed. According to the initial report, a patient from a local nursing home was admitted suffering 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns over a quarter of his body. The responding deputy made contact with the emergency room doctor who advised the patient was presented with what was believed to be injuries that were consistent with burns caused by a scalding liquid, according to Lt. Stephen Phillips, spokesperson for the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives responded to conduct their investigation and early on, were able to identify a suspect as Marcus Ladedrick Jermaine Casson, 28 of Alexandria. Through their investigation, detectives were able to develop sufficient probable cause and a warrant was granted for Casson’s arrest in reference cruelty to the infirm.
On February 11, Casson was taken into custody without incident by members of the US Marshal’s Violent Offender Task Force and booked into the Rapides Parish Jail. Casson was released eight days later after posting a $10,000 bond.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the victim was transferred to a hospital out of the parish, which specializes in the treatment of persons with like injuries, stated the spokesperson. On April 29, detectives were informed the victim had died as a result of complications stemming from the initial injuries. After they received this information, detectives established sufficient probable cause to upgrade the charge and a warrant was granted for Casson’s arrest in reference to second-degree murder.
On Friday, June 14, Casson was located in Pineville by members of the US Marshal’s Violent Offender Task Force.
He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the Rapides Parish Jail.
At the time of this release, bond had yet to be set on Casson’s new charge. Casson was also arrested in reference to an unrelated contempt of court warrant.
