Murphysboro man sentenced for role in death of SIUC student

By Gus Bode

Alleged triggerman still at large

A Murphysboro man was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday for armed robbery in connection with the shooting death of a former SIUC student.

Maurice DeShay Carter, 21, was sentenced for his role in the death of Marcus S. Thomas, 21, at a Carbondale housing project in March 2001.

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Police said Thomas, a junior in psychology from Matteson, was shot in the back at his home at 300 E. College St. in what was reportedly a “drug rip-off gone bad.” He died of blood loss on the living room floor of 315-B S. Marion St. after running from his assailants.

Residents living in homes in the two blocks between Thomas’ home and the location he died reported being woken at about 3 a.m. by gunshots. A figure was reportedly seen running south down the road yelling “help me.” There was a trail of blood from the front of his house to 100 feet south down the road.

Terron C. Price, 22, of Tamms, is wanted on charges of murder and armed robbery in the death. Police allege Price was the gunman that killed Thomas. Jackson County State’s Attorney Michael Wepsiec said Carter knew about the robbery and was a lookout for the shooter.

He will get credit for 182 days time served in the Jackson County Jail.

Carbondale Police Chief R.T. Finney said the department does not have any information about Price’s whereabouts. He said police are continuing to search for him around Tamms and Gary, Ind. and the FBI has a warrant for his arrest for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Finney said the officers are concentrating on locating him through family, friends and others who know him.

Wepsiec said Carter was cooperative with police and will testify against Price if he is brought to trial.

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Wepsiec said he is confident there will be a lapse in Price’s judgment and secrecy, and he will be found and brought to trial in Jackson County.

“Like most people, he will be caught,” Wepsiec said.

Reporter Greg Cima can be reached at gcima.dailyegpytian.com

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