The Selma teen charged with killing a Selma police officer during an ambush on Tuesday morning made his first appearance in court on Friday.
Wearing an orange jumpsuit, handcuffs and bulletproof vest, former Selma High football star Javonte Stubbs, 18, sat at the defendant’s table in the courtroom of Circuit Court Judge Collins Pettaway Jr. at the Dallas County Courthouse annex to face charges of capital murder for the killing of Selma Police Officer Marquis Moorer, 25, and for attempted murder for injuring Moorer’s girlfriend in the shooting. He also is charged with shooting into an occupied dwelling.
Stubbs is being represented by Birmingham attorney Darryl Bender who will serve as his defense lawyer with Emory Anthony. The teen only spoke to confirm his name.
Pettaway ruled Stubbs would be held on no bond following the requirement of the capital murder charges that do not allow bond.
Pettaway granted Bender’s request for a preliminary hearing and set it for 1 p.m. Sept. 17. He also approved a motion from the prosecutors to get DNA from the defendant.
Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford, fellow officers and Dallas County sheriff deputies lined the courtroom.
Friends and family of Stubbs and Moorer were in the pews of the courtroom but stayed quiet at the request of Sheriff Mike Granthum and Pettaway. The only words spoken out loud came from a friend of Stubbs in the back of the courtroom who said, “Stay strong, bro” as Stubbs was taken out of the room.
Moorer’s family on the front row held boxes of Kleenex and his mother broke down in tears after the arraignment.
Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson said after the arraignment that he would be prosecuting the case along with state district attorneys and that they haven’t decided whether to seek the death penalty. He said the investigation continues and there could be more arrests made.
Jackson called the shooting an ambush, saying the officer was shot while in his apartment and had no chance to defend himself.
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