By Jack Gurner,
North Mississippi Herald

Marcus Telford appeared in Water Valley City Court last Wednesday after being charged with murder in the death of Cornelius Obrien “Shawty” Wells of Batesville.

Wells, 24, was shot to death at 617 Chestnut Street just before 10 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Police spent the next two and a half days combing for evidence and questioning people in the investigation before charging Telford with the killing.

At the initial appearance Wednesday, Municipal Judge Trent Howell told Telford that he had two felony counts against him; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and murder. Howell explained that since the charges are felonies, he didn’t have the authority to accept a plea, but it was his job to make sure Telford understood his rights.

Howell appointed the City Public Defender to represent Telford.

The judge then questioned Officer John Hernandez under oath and said that he found probable cause for the arrest and set a preliminary hearing for June 9.

Howell asked about the handgun involved in the incident and set a $50,000 bond on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charge.

He then questioned Sergeant A. J. Hernandez on details of the shooting and set a $500,000 bond on the murder charge.

Telford sat with his head down and didn’t respond when Howell asked if he had any questions.

He was given a the pink copy of a certificate attesting to the fact that the initial appearance had been held. He would use the paper later to cover his face as he left City Hall in route to the Yalobusha County Jail.

As the judge ended the 17-minute initial appearance, Telford asked how soon he could get out on the $50,000 bond. Sergeant Hernandez told Telford that his total bond was $550,000 and he would need about $55,000 to bond out of jail.