Man who pleaded guilty to raping sleeping Ann Arbor woman will serve 20-30 years
Marcus Wilson
Courtesy of Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
In a staccato exchange with attorneys, an 18-year-old man described to a judge how he broke into an Ann Arbor home and raped a sleeping woman this past summer.
Marcus Wilson, of Ann Arbor, responded to questions from lawyers and Judge David Swartz with mostly single word answers as he pleaded guilty in the Washtenaw County Trial Court Thursday to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two home invasion charges.
When asked if he broke into a home in the 1200 block of South Oakland Avenue on July 3, Wilson said, "Yes," in a barely audible voice in the crowded-but-silenced courtroom.
When asked how he got into the home, Wilson said, "Window."
When asked if he encountered a sleeping woman in the home, Wilson said, "Yes."
When asked if he sexually penetrated the woman, who he didn't know, Wilson said, "Yes," in the same low voice.
Wilson likely will spend the next 20 to 30 years in prison for the crime per a sentencing agreement. The plea agreement also called for concurrent sentences in the three charges and that a habitual offender status not be filed in the cases.
Wilson pleaded guilty as charged to second-degree home invasion for breaking into an apartment in the 700 block of South Forest Avenue on June 19 in an unrelated break-in. Swartz asked him what he stole.
"I can't remember," Wilson said.
Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor Blake Hatlem took over questioning as Wilson pleaded guilty to first-degree CSC and first-degree home invasion in the second case.
During the questioning, Wilson admitted to pulling an air conditioner out of a window at the Oakland Avenue residence and climbing inside with the intent to steal. Previous AnnArbor.com reports say the rape occurred around 1 a.m. Wilson saw the sleeping woman and forced her to have sexual intercourse with him while choking her, which left marks on the victim's neck, the questioning revealed.
Police have called the case 'heinous' and 'nightmarish.'
Wilson's sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 31 before Swartz.
Comments
rick
Tue, Jan 15, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
@T Jackson what part of YES I DID IT did you NOT understand ???.... This guy admitted his guilt.....HELLO.....HELLO ????? are you listening ??? Everyone is someones child....ooops ...sorry he probably was neglected as a kid or was abused....TOO DAMN BAD.....He is to be held accountable for HIS actions.....
BhavanaJagat
Sat, Jan 12, 2013 : 5:59 a.m.
A friend in need: I appreciate Ms. Jackson for sharing her view about the innocence of Marcus. If she is a true friend, she had plenty of time to provide information to the Police Department and helped them to investigate this crime. It is a civic duty to provide information. She has not stated if she was in the court and has asked for permission to make a statement about her friend's innocence. Did she accompany him during the time that he had entered those houses as revealed in the story? She could add a little more information of which she may be aware of and seek legal help before the sentencing takes place on January 31.
BhavanaJagat
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
Crime and Punishment: For a crime called 'rape' there is no proper punishment. The victim may, or may not find any satisfaction in the fact that justice has been served. I belong to Indian tradition and do not believe in the principle called forgiveness. I have no ability or authority, or power to forgive the actions of others. Man must always face the consequences of his own actions. But, that may not heal the physical wounds and may not provide relief from emotional pain to the victim who is traumatized by the actions. I can only wish for the uplifting power of Divine mercy, grace, and compassion to provide the healing touch and give the comfort needed by the victim because of this attack on her dignity.
Westfringe
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 6:09 p.m.
Castrate this POS.
badboybobbybrown
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
Just aweful. The only upside to this is that they got him off the streets at a young age before he could hurt anyone else. Scary to think these kinds of people are born everyday and will always be among us.
JRW
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
Police have called the case 'heinous' and 'nightmarish.' Absolutely. He should never see the light of day again.
JRW
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
"Wilson likely will spend the next 20 to 30 years in prison for the crime per a sentencing agreement. The plea agreement also called for concurrent sentences in the three charges and that a habitual offender status not be filed in the cases." A habitual offender status will not be filed in these multiple cases? Huh? Here you have a habitual offender who will not have that status?? What a terrible decision.
ArthGuinness
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
Well the bright side is that the justice system worked, but I certainly feel sick about the woman's traumatic experience. I guess I don't really see why people like this should ever get out, but 20+ years certainly reduces the time he can do more damage.
Dog Guy
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 2:42 p.m.
A merciful sentence, except for taxpayers. I pray that this kid and the prison workers cooperate to make this twenty years a good investment for all concerned. Improving oneself in prison takes a lot of commitment.
Cory C
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:10 p.m.
So 10 years with good behavior, probably closer to 8 with probation/parole. Furthermore, they're saying that "Well you raped someone, so we'll punish you for that and forget about everything else you've done" with the concurrent sentences. But at least in 8 years when he's out again, he wont be able to find a job, and will most likely go back to rape and crime. Gotta love our justice system.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 3:05 p.m.
Cory C, As other posters have pointed out, Michigan's "Truth in Sentencing" eliminated good behavior 25 years ago. Minimally, he will serve 20 years, but even if he's an angel in prison, that does not guarantee that he will be released at the 20-year point. The parole board determines whether a prisoner still poses a risk to the community once s/he has served the minimum sentence. The parole board can decline to release the prisoner for any number of reasons during the period between the minimum and maximum sentence dates. When this happens, the prisoner serves time until the parole board releases her/him or until s/he has served the maximum sentence.
broinn
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:37 p.m.
Prisoners sentenced for crimes committed after April 1, 1987, do not earn good time. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2441883/
Kyle Feldscher
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
You are correct, Craig.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:17 p.m.
I have asked this before, but i assumed that these days in Michigan a 20-30 sentence meant you had to do the minimum but you could avoid the maximum by behaving. Am I incorrect? I thought things changed in that regard a while back.
Arieswoman
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 11:45 a.m.
This is so sad. A woman has been forever hurt by this young mans actions. His life is ruined also. Such a shame one is not safe in their own bed sleeping.
JudeW
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 11:20 p.m.
GoNavy - I meant to vote up your comment in agreement, not down - sorry! (Blame the cat that wanted attention at just that moment, jumping on my lap!)
GoNavy
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
Well said Craig. As for "not being safe in your own bed," the world is full of dangers you will never eliminate. Concentrate on the rarity of tragedies such as this and it might help you sleep better.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Jan 11, 2013 : 12:37 p.m.
His ruined life is is his own doing. He made the choices that he will pay for.