Vallejo, California — A jury began deliberating Tuesday afternoon in the Solano County Superior Court on the fate of Devonte Levan Hicks, a 29-year-old man accused of killing 24-year-old Gerado Suarez-Marin during a robbery at a Motel 6 in Vallejo in 2018. The deliberations followed closing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution, after more than three weeks of testimony and evidence presentation.
At 2 p.m., the jury, comprising seven men and five women, departed from Department 23 after receiving final instructions from Judge John B. Ellis. Hicks faces charges of first-degree murder, with the prosecution alleging that he used a choke chain to strangle Suarez-Marin, who was found unresponsive on the motel floor on August 20, 2018, after attempting to sell marijuana.
As a previously convicted felon, Hicks could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted, due to the circumstances surrounding the crime. His co-defendant, Jessica Marie McCraven, 38, also a convicted felon, pleaded guilty to lesser charges in April and is to be sentenced to 12 years in state prison for her role in the incident. During the trial, she testified against Hicks, significantly contributing to the prosecution’s case led by Deputy District Attorney William Ainsworth.
In her closing arguments, defense attorney Cate Beekman focused heavily on McCraven’s testimony, asserting that her plea deal motivated her to provide testimony that lacked credibility. Beekman emphasized that McCraven was “willing to do anything not to get that life sentence,” highlighting her previous felony status and the changes in her story leading up to the trial. She conveyed to the jury that McCraven’s motives were selfish, referencing a social media post where McCraven suggested prioritizing oneself.
Furthermore, Beekman challenged the prosecution’s evidence, asserting a lack of clarity about what transpired in the motel room. She argued that Ainsworth had not proven the case “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and characterized McCraven as a manipulative liar whose testimony should not be trusted. In a dramatic moment, Beekman demonstrated how the choke chain allegedly used in the crime functioned, suggesting that it could be pulled in a way that prevents release.
Ainsworth countered, pointing to corroborating evidence presented during the trial, including indications that Hicks was aware Suarez-Marin possessed a sizable amount of cash at the time of the killing. Hicks allegedly retained some of the money after the robbery, as evidenced by the discovery of cash on him upon his arrest. The prosecutor additionally mentioned post-crime purchases, including clothing and electronics, made by Hicks and McCraven shortly after the incident.
The trial has experienced numerous delays over the years, primarily due to reduced court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hicks is currently being held without bail at the Stanton Correctional Facility, facing additional charges related to alleged assaults on jail staff and possessing a weapon as a prisoner.
McCraven is also detained without bail and had faced multiple felonies related to the 2018 crime prior to her plea agreement. Police initially apprehended Hicks on August 22, 2018, followed by the arrest of McCraven later that day, as law enforcement worked to piece together the events leading to the fatal confrontation.
The outcome of the jury’s deliberation could significantly alter the lives of those involved, as both defendants await their respective legal fates in a case that has seen considerable scrutiny since its inception.
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