Mulberry Grove Man Charged w/Murder in Marion County

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Published on December 28 2015 1:54 pm
Last Updated on December 28 2015 1:54 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Bond has been set at one-million dollars for a 28-year-old Mulberry Grove man who has been charged with the Christmas morning shooting death.

Demetrice Lockett is accused of shooting 26-year-old Leroy Roberson, Junior of Mt. Vernon in the back during an argument in the parking lot of Party Liquors at 812 North Elm. One count claims Lockett fired the shot either intending to kill or do great bodily harm to Roberson.  The second count says he fired the shot knowing the act created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm.

Judge Michael McHaney set the bond by phone Saturday.

Lockett made his first appearance in court Monday morning. He sat quietly alone at the defense table and answered questions as they were posed by the judge. He had Public Defender Matt Chancey appointed to represent him after saying he had not been employed since last year and had been supported by his grandmother and girlfriend.  A first appearance with counsel and preliminary hearing was set for January 19 at 11 am.  .

Lockett was arrested after he was seen running from the scene of the shooting by a State Trooper. He was later identified as a suspect.

Marion County State's Attorney Matt Wilzbach says the evidence includes video of the shooting obtained by a surveillance camera on the Party Liquors Parking Lot.  However, he warns Lockett should be considered innocent until proven guilty.