BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Battle Creek man has been found guilty of a 1st Degree Murder he committed back in 2018.
According to a news release from the Calhoun County Prosecutors Office dated Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 52-year-old Marko Lacharr McGee was found guilty by a jury in the death of 43-year-old Diabulo White, also of Battle Creek.
The 4-day trial resulted in the conviction of McGee for 1st Degree Murder along with charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer, and Felony Firearm, along with being charged as a 4th Habitual [violent] offender.
According to Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert, Assistant Prosecutor Karen Pawlowski, and witness testimony, White’s body was found in the trunk of his girlfriend’s car after it had been abandoned and towed to a Battle Creek impound lot on May 21, 2018. He had been reported missing by family the day before.
McGee was arrested later on the 21st after a brief chase with Battle Creek Police Department Officers, who testified he was in possession of a semiautomatic pistol, which he threw while being chased.
McGee claimed he killed White in self defense which was later proven wrong as testimony showed that he had cleaned the crime scene, hid the body and did not report the death.
A pathology examination determined that the victim had died of blunt head trauma, stab wounds to the neck, and strangulation.
Prosecutor Gilbert argued the murder to be premeditated due to the extent of the victim’s injuries and the lack of injuries to McGee.
Trial for McGee had been delayed due to the pandemic. Sentencing is set for August 5, 2022.
