After 17 years of enduring a mystery that seemed to hold its secrets tightly, the murder case of a Worcester college student has witnessed a significant breakthrough. NBC Boston reported that Marquis Brown, a 40-year-old from Worcester, has been charged with the 2008 murder of William Smith, a then 19-year-old Becker College student. Arrested on Tuesday, Brown now faces an indictment for murder, as confirmed by the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.
According to details revealed in the indictment, the tragic event occurred amid a sprawling fight outside a Highland Street convenience store back on September 21, 2008. Despite the efforts that followed, it was only recently that a grand jury brought forth the indictment against Brown. Notably, he has pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Worcester Superior Court and is being held without bail. His next court appearance is slated for July 21. Brown's legal representation was not immediately available for commentary, as per Boston.com.
Complicating the case further, Steven Black, 39, also of Worcester, has been indicted on a charge of perjury related to the 2008 incident. Black was granted release on a $5,000 bail accompanied by conditions, including a GPS monitoring device. His arraignment took place on June 6.
The initial response to the 2008 disturbance painted a chaotic scene with local authorities finding several fights breaking out amongst a large crowd. Amid this, an officer discovered Smith, gravely wounded with a stab to his chest. Despite being quickly transported to a hospital, Smith's injury proved fatal. The DA's office has continued its pursuit of justice, urging anyone with further information about the case to reach out to detectives, as they might possess essential pieces to a puzzle that has long awaited completion.
In the wake of renewed attention to the case, a glimmer of closure seems to be on the horizon for Smith's family. The impact of Smith's untimely passing remains resonant, with his loved ones previously describing him as "a lovable, hugging and warm soul," in a heartfelt plea for fresh information issued by Worcester police in 2023. "Our only peace comes from knowing that he is home with his Holy Father. We hope that someone who knows something comes forward and contacts police so that Will's voice does not go silent," Smith's family shared in a statement obtained by NBC Boston. Now, with Brown's indictment and the possibility of shedding light on the events that led to the loss of their loved one, that voice hopes to find its echo in the halls of justice.
