FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Sixteen years later, Marcus Faulk learned his fate in court on Wednesday morning for killing his cellmate, Jason Cannon, at Pleasant Valley State Prison.
He accepted a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter, landing him a sentence of 22 years.
Before hearing the judge’s final say, Faulk made another attempt to further delay the decision.
“I am just asking for a fair shot. I am willing to take a plea, just not this one,” said Marcus Faulk to the judge.
Faulk was supposed to be sentenced last Wednesday, but requested a new attorney, which was granted.
“Who did your brother attain?” asked the judge.
“My brother said he needs a couple of days, and he will get him up here,” responded Faulk.
“Mr. Faulk, who did your brother attain?” the judge asked once again.
“I don’t know,” said Faulk.
His appointed Fresno County Defense Attorney said there was no basis to support Faulk’s request.
“I did review the transcripts and change of plea, the waiver of apelet right. I did extensive research on whether or not Mr. Faulk even has the ability to withdraw a plea. There appears to be no legal basis,” said Fresno County Defense Attorney Regina Chessari.
She also advised Faulk not to speak on his behalf.
Regardless, Faulk shared a few words and interrupted the judge several times.
“Alright, sir, I have heard enough. I have heard enough,” responded the judge.
The judge stood firm on his sentence, a long time coming for Cannon’s family.
Charges weren’t filed until 2019.
Then, it took five years to get to trial, which ended in a hung jury.
Cannon’s family did not attend court this morning but did show up last week and had an opportunity to make their final statements, during which they shared the challenges of waiting over a decade for justice.
Faulk was initially in custody for armed robbery in 2004, which gave him a 25-year prison sentence. While he was in custody for the robbery, he also picked up 7 new convictions for a variety of crimes, including possession of alcohol, drugs, and weapons.
