Marc Thomas Sylvester
A jury today found Marc Thomas Sylvester guilty of second-degree murder of a Colorado Springs woman who was shot in the head with a high-powered rifle.
However, the jurors acquitted Sylvester of all other charges, including first-degree murder, robbery and second-degree kidnapping.
The verdict was an emotional moment for some of the jurors, who asked for more time before they came into the courtroom to deliver their decision.
The jurors had been in their third day of deliberation in the trial, which started on March 31.
Sylvester was accused in the Feb. 9, 2009 murder of Jennifer C. Warren, 35, whose body was discovered in a wind-blown ditch in eastern El Paso County.
She had been shot in the head at close range with a high-powered rifle in what prosecutors described as an execution-style killing.
Prosecutors showed jurors a videotaped confession in which Sylvester told a sheriff’s detective “I think it was me” and demonstrated how he held the rifle used to kill Warren.
Judge Robert Lowrey. Photos by Mark Reis, The Gazette
They also cited cell phone records that showed Sylvester’s phone was used in the area where the body was found, east of Schriever Air Force base near Book Drive and Milne Road.
But the public defenders representing Sylvester argued that it was a false confession obtained under duress from the 39-year-old former truck driver.
They argued that a woman named Elizabeth Angel had more motivation to kill Warren than their client. They claimed that Angel suspected her husband had an affair with Warren. They also claimed that Warren got Angel’s husband arrested by snitching on him.
Angel admitted she assaulted Warren in a motorcycle garage earlier that evening but insisted she had nothing to do with the murder.
Sylvester faces between 16 to 48 years in prison when Fourth Judicial District Judge Robert L. Lowrey sentences him on June 1.
Deputy Public Defender Rose Roy declined comment on the verdict until the sentencing.
Kathleen Walsh, a spokeswoman for the District Attorney’s office, said prosecutors thank the jury for what was “a difficult decision.”
“While he (Sylvester) is in prison, we hope he never has a chance to hurt another member of the community,” Walsh said.
Members of Warren’s family who attended nearly every day of the trial left the courtroom via a back entrance without comment.
So, is premeditation the distinction between 1st degree and 2nd degree?
If so, how can you throw a rifle in the car, drive the victim into the boonies, execute her, and not have the crime be considered to be premeditated?
Because the DA’s are completely and totally incompetent. Did you know that Dan Zook, 2nd in command at the DAs office, did not prepare a single witness examination?
You realize the defendant confessed to the act?
Premeditation / deliberation and the culpable mental state of “intent” / “intentionally” separates first degree murder from 2nd degree. The culpable mental state of 2nd is “knowingly.”
Good thing we pay these DA clowns the big bucks. What a joke.
I have never read such a bunch of crap in my life. this clown had know reason to kill jen If angel was not involved. jen would still be alive that is a fact mark didnot even know her.You have to wonder what kind of favor was called in to save angel.What a load of bull.My heart goes out to jens family.Jen had alot freinds if i was angel i would get a bodygaurd.The other good think is that karma is alive and well thank good.Jen will be missed mark willnot what a waste.A And i agree with bill going to a shop and beating jen then handcuffing her to his truck loading a weapon and driving all the way out there and shooting her in the head is not second degree murder more favors what about jen. one thing for sure she was not a snitch and she didnot deserve to die like that.One can only hope she angel gets what is coming to her waste of good food.rest in peice jen
Elizabeth has 4 known victims of her violent rage…this one died because of it. the other one is damaged for life due to duct tape and a pipe….the 3rd had a 9 iron to her head…the 4th had a gun put to her head…a 5th didn’t get beat by the wrench she had in her hand while waiting behind a door. When a man beats someone this badly, they get a crime of violence and prison…why does this chick get 3rd degree misd. assault and probation…WTF?
Let’s not forget her husband is doing 7 yrs for beating a dude because Elizabeth claimed he tried to rape her…Jennifer Warren was a witness to her husband saying it was all for nothing, the dude never tried to rape his wife, it was a lie…..Elizabeth, you should be happy, your husband is where you are sure he won’t cheat on you…and doin time for you.
Incident Date April 22, 2010
Title Arrest
Summary On 04-22-10 members of MVNI, assisted by CSPD TEU conducted a buy bust involving 4 individuals who were identified in the Distribution of Methamphetamine. A total of 5 individuals were arrested related to the operation and 1 female is wanted for Unlawful Distribution. A total of 118 grams of methamphetamine was purchased or seized during the operation. Total value $47,200.00
Adults Arrested Demar Williams, Elizabeth Angel, Monica Hernandez,Elvira Luna, Juan Romero-Espinoza
Media Contact Name and Phone Number: Lt. Harmon 444-7766
I totally agree with storm and victims rights. Angel has problems and this poor girl didn’t need to die. Marc doesn’t remember doing it. because e.angel did it. the wrong guy is going down. howcome e. keeps getting away with it. Beating after beating. Smiley doesn’t want to get beat either(walter). It is easy to tell on marc then elizabeth. Duh wouldn’t you be scared if you were him? Poor guy……Karma is a biatchhhhhhhh!!!!Those who live by the sword die by the sword. Gospel of Matthew, verse 26:52.
Elizabeth will get hers one way or another. We all know she is the guilty one and Karma is a Bitch. Hope you enjoy it elizabeth you bitch
get off angels back unless you were there
the next threat to my sister will be turned in you bitches
jen was a crack hoe wake up people she was not perfect
sorry she lost her life feel for her faimly but that life style gets you in trouble god bless her and her faimly but do not put this on angel she did not pull that triger
Correctional officer or not, your sister is a violent woman, who loves to fight, and beat women down.
Correctional officer or not, your sister is a violent woman, who loves to fight, and beat women down. She was doing it before Jason, and will do it again…
hafa program…
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