Teen guilty of manslaughter

Marcus Richardson knifed fellow student at Montbello High

Sue Lindsay, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 15, 2006 at midnight

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Marcus Richardson, charged with murder in a stabbing at Montbello High School, was convicted in Denver District Court Wednesday on a lesser charge of manslaughter.

On hearing the verdict, a woman ran wailing from the courtroom and Richardson's father shouted at a prosecutor.

Richardson, 18, sat quietly, as he had during the entire trial, showing no emotion as the verdict was read. He also was convicted of possessing a weapon at school.

Richardson was tried as an adult in the death of 17-year-old Contrell Townsend in the Montbello lunchroom on Jan. 4, 2004. He was a 16-year-old junior at the time.

Richardson faces a maximum of 13 1/2 years in prison. Townsend's family had hoped for a longer sentence, but Richardson's family and his attorney argued that the stabbing was in self-defense and were disappointed he was not acquitted.

Despite Richardson's ties to the community and the fact that he has no record, Judge Morris Ben Hoffman denied bond pending the July 18 sentencing, citing the seriousness of the offense. Richardson has been out on bond while awaiting trial.

His mother, Pamela Richardson, left the courtroom in tears, as did other family members and friends.

His father, Marcus Richardson Sr., was escorted from the courtroom by deputies who surrounded him after he began yelling at prosecutor Tom Clinton, whom he thought had said something to him.

"What did you say to me, Clinton?" Richardson Sr. repeatedly yelled.

"I didn't say anything," Clinton repeatedly replied.

No family members would comment on the verdict, but defense attorney Walter Gerash said he was disappointed that the jury rejected their argument that Richardson killed Townsend in self- defense.

"I'm so disappointed," Gerash said. "We thought it was a straight self-defense case. He did what he did because he was attacked by a gang.

"But needless to say, we're grateful that it's not murder, but manslaughter, and he's eligible for probation."

Townsend's family and friends also left without comment.

Prosecutor Adrienne Greene said they were "disappointed to some degree. They've lost their son, brother, friend, forever."

But Greene said it was clear "the jury struggled with the verdict. I wouldn't say we are disappointed."

As they deliberated, jurors sent two notes to the judge expressing concerns about Richardson being tried as an adult and facing a sentence in adult prison.

"We the jury . . . wish to express our concern regarding the defendant being charged as an adult. As well, please take into account upon sentencing our concern (underlined) over this defendant being incarcerated in an adult prison," said a note from the jury foreperson.

Hoffman told jurors "a case like this is beyond the call" and said they were welcome to attend the sentencing. The judge also met privately with jurors after court adjourned.

Richardson testified he stabbed Townsend because he was in a headlock, couldn't breathe and thought he was going to die.

Witnesses said Townsend picked up Richardson and slammed him to the floor several times during the fight and was on top of Richardson during most of it.

Defense attorneys said gang members were behind the fight. They also contended that Townsend, who was diagnosed as bipolar at age 10, was in a manic phase of his disorder when he provoked the fight with Richardson.

Prosecutors, however, said it was Richardson who started the fight.

Richardson testified he began carrying a steak knife from his mother's kitchen as a sophomore for protection after he was beaten and witnessed several vicious fights.

The tragedy was sparked when the two bumped into each other in the hall before lunch.

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