On June 5, 2020, Marcus Worrell walked into a Brooklyn deli armed with a loaded firearm. It remains unclear what triggered Worrell, but he suddenly opened fire with complete disregard for the safety of those around him. At around 8:20 P.M., 28-year-old Evon Hillman was fatally wounded. The suspect reportedly repeatedly shot the victim even after the victim immediately passed away in the incident. A 40-year-old man, who was standing near the shooter, was also hit with a bullet in the stomach twice. He suffered massive internal damage.

According to witnesses, the deli was crowded. It remains unclear whether the attack was targeted or not.

After shooting the two deli patrons, Worrell brought his loaded weapon into the streets. He noticed a nearby bystander with a motorbike, so he committed armed robbery and forced the bike away from its owner. He fled away on the bike.

It wasn’t until months later, in August of 2020, that investigators finally caught up with Worell. He was immediately arrested. About three years later, on November 9th, 2023, Worell’s trial has finally concluded. The suspect has been convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of weapons, and second-degree attempted murder. As a result, he’s been sentenced to spend 25 years behind bars.

Reports suggest that the suspect had a lengthy criminal record and previously shot a man while he was serving parole for a previous crime.

Can You Defend Yourself From Murder Charges?

Have you ever been directly or indirectly involved in a fatal shooting? When a firearm becomes a deadly weapon, the penalties associated with the incident are going to reflect the severity of the crime. That said, you’ll need to hire a strong legal defense team to help you uphold your rights and determine your options if you find yourself in this scenario.

The fatal shooting above resulted in a 25-year sentence behind bars. It’s important to note, though, that Las Vegas still allows capital punishment as a legal penalty for murder. If you get involved in a fatal shooting, then you could be sentenced to death, life behind bars, or face a host of other criminal penalties.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire a defense attorney, though. A quality lawyer can help you identify potential strategies that could help you avoid the worst legal outcome. In some cases, when the evidence against you is substantial, it might be best to consider making a deal with the prosecution. Prosecutors often agree to reduce the charges against you and sentence you with much lighter penalties if you plead guilty to the charges. The reason why these deals are beneficial is because they save everyone time while also ensuring that justice is served.

That said, you should consult with a lawyer before agreeing to a plea deal with prosecutors. An attorney can ensure that your rights are considered and that the plea deal is fair. If you have a chance at having your charges dismissed or being found not guilty, then it might be better to fight your charges.

To get a better idea of how to handle your legal situation, schedule a meeting with our attorneys now.