A Chatham County judge set a Feb. 1 trial date for two people accused of murdering a 14-year-old in an attempt to steal his gun.
Court documents state that on Sept. 18, Marcus Thomas Jr. and Caesar Thompkins Jr., both 18 at the time of their arrest, tried to rob Markel Bush at gunpoint in an attempt to take his 9mm handgun in the 700 block of W. 57th Street.
Savannah Police Department (SPD) officers arrived on the scene and found Bush, 14, unresponsive. He was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. Thomas Jr. was also shot during the incident and transported to the hospital, SPD previously said.
Thomas Jr. was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service on Nov. 12, and Thompkins Jr. turned himself
in the following day.
The pair were charged with malice murder, two counts of felony murder, criminal attempt to commit an armed robbery and aggravated assault.
They were denied bond in November 2025 by Judge Christopher Middleton who stated the defendants pose a significant threat or danger to the community. Thompkins Jr. and Thomas Jr. will remain in the sheriff’s department custody at the Chatham County Detention Center as they await their trial.
Ansley Franco is a reporter with the Savannah Morning News, covering public safety and general assignments. You can reach her at AFranco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Trial date set for 2 accused of killing Savannah 14-year-old
