Naman Shrestha
In August 2013, a father of three named Curtis Marks met his untimely and tragic demise in Cleveland, Ohio. The gruesome crime sent shockwaves across the entire community and resulted in a homicide investigation. The detectives were led to some of the state’s most dangerous criminals who were responsible for the murder. All the intricate details of the case and the swift investigation that followed are covered extensively in A&E’s ‘The First 48: The Rookie/Cornered’ with the help of interviews with Curtis’ loved ones and the officials who worked hard to solve the case.
Curtis Marks Was Found Dead Outside a Local Bar in Cleveland
Born on March 25, 1982, Curtis Leon Marks Jr. was the beloved son of Zelda James, who raised him in a loving and supportive household in Cleveland, Ohio. Seemingly in his 20s, he embraced fatherhood, becoming a doting father to three adorable children. In the early hours of August 29, 2013, he was with a friend across the street from the Club Fly High, near East 71st and Superior Avenue, about one mile from where he had spent his childhood.
The police received a harrowing call about a shootout outside the bar, where they found Curtis in an unconscious and critical state. The authorities rushed him to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was eventually pronounced dead. The medical examiner concluded that the 31-year-old father of three had died of a gunshot wound to the chest. Without wasting any time, the police launched a homicide investigation.
Perpetrators Responsible For Curtis Marks Were Apprehended in the Weeks That Followed
As part of the investigation, the detectives spoke with Curtis Marks’ mother, Zelda, who told them that her son was with his friend, Demetrius Thomas, at the time of the shooting. Upon being interviewed, Demetrius told the investigators that he and Curtis were hanging out outside the Club Fly High bar when two men approached them and pointed guns at Curtis. Demetrius alleged that one of the two armed men asked Curtis, “Do you got it, do you got it?” to which Curtis replied he did not. As per Demetrius’ account, the same man ordered him to count to five, but pulled the trigger and shot Curtis to death before he reached five.
Demetrius’ statements led the detectives to a man named Robert Maurice Porter, who had multiple previous convictions to his name, including aggravated robbery. In the days that followed, the investigators also received an anonymous tip pointing them toward another man, Julius “Hook” Webster, as a possible suspect. As they dug deeper into his past, they learned of his previous convictions, such as carrying a concealed weapon, and about his association with a dangerous gang called the Heartless Felons. The police finally got hold of Robert, who was staying at his cousin’s place outside Cleveland, and brought him in for questioning.
After gathering enough evidence against him, they charged him with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery. On the afternoon of October 23, 2013, the detectives, with the help of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, tracked the other suspect, Julius Webster, to his girlfriend’s apartment in Cleveland, as per the show. After setting up surveillance around his residence, the police arrested him after he exited the property and was trying to drive away. Not only was he wanted for the robbery and murder of Curtis Marks, but also for a parole violation and his possible involvement in two other homicides in Canton.
Julius and Robert Are Currently Incarcerated at Separate Ohio Prisons
In August 2014, in exchange for a reduced sentence, Robert Maurice Porter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the killing of Curtis Marks. As part of his plea, he agreed to testify against Julius Webster during his trial. A few months later, in January 2015, Julius’ trial got underway. During the three-week trial, Demetrius Thomas testified against the defendant and told the jury what he had told the detectives during the investigation. According to reports, the judge and witnesses received death threats from Julius or members of his gang. The defense argued that the detectives offered suggestions to the witnesses while asking them to pick up the suspect from the photo lineup.
While the prosecution urged for the longest possible term for Julius, the defense asked for a reasonable and rational sentence. Finally, on February 9, 2015, the jury found him guilty of murder and aggravated robbery in the death of Curtis Marks. In a separate proceeding, he was also convicted of gang-related charges, including attempted tampering with evidence and aggravated robbery. A month later, on March 10, Julius’ sentencing hearing took place. Curtis’ mother took the stand and stated, “To play God and take a life is unacceptable. It has truly destroyed my family.” Ultimately, he was sentenced to life in prison with the chance of parole after serving 99 years behind bars.
Two days later, on March 12, Robert Porter was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and robbery of Curtis Marks and an additional four years for violating his probation terms. During his sentencing hearing, Robert apologized to Curtis’ family and claimed that he was actually his friend. Maintaining his innocence, he claimed that he had panicked during his interrogation, which is why he admitted to the charges against him. As of today, Robert is serving his sentence at Toledo Correctional Institution in Lucas County, Ohio, with his parole eligibility date scheduled for July 2033. Meanwhile, Julius is behind bars at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, Ohio.
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