Man convicted of Cairo, Ill., murder

Marquad Harris, 18, of Cairo, Illinois, was convicted Friday of first-degree murder in Alexander County, Illinois, court stemming from a June shooting death.

Because the jury found he used a firearm, he faces a minimum sentence of 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The jury found Harris shot and killed Christopher Nelson, 34, of Cairo on June 12 at 602 Jefferson St., according to Alexander County State’s Attorney Zach Gowin.

Two projectiles were removed from Nelson during an autopsy, and five or six shell casings were found at the scene, Gowin said. Nelson was the father of Harris’ younger brother.

The jury in the case deliberated for two hours before coming back with the verdict at 2 p.m. The trial began with jury selection Tuesday.

Harris originally faced five murder counts, but Gowin said each was meant to cover a different mental state for the defendant.

If it is proven a firearm was used in the commission of first-degree murder, a 25-year enhancement is automatically added to the sentence, Gowin said. The minimum sentence for first-degree murder in Illinois is 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. April 12.

“It’s a sad situation all around,” Gowin said. “It’s a sad thing for the family of the victim. It’s a sad thing that the defendant is definitely going to the Department of Corrections. This possibly hurts the same family.”

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

602 Jefferson St., Cairo, Ill.