(KAIR)--Formal charges are filed against the 30-year-old Atchison man accused of the Friday night death of his girlfriend's five-year-old daughter, following a vehicle pursuit that began in Atchison and ended tragically in Leavenworth.
Leavenworth County Prosecutor Todd Thompson, during a Wednesday morning press conference, said Marcus McGowan made his first appearance in a Leavenworth County courtroom Wednesday morning, charged with six counts. “He was read those charges in front of Judge [Gunnar] Sundby. Those six counts are first degree murder, he was charged with fleeing and elude of law enforcement officers, he was charged with aggravated endangering a child, he was also charged with aggravated assault on law enforcement officers...and he was charged with a criminal in possession of a firearm,” Thompson stated. “His next court appearance is August 8th at 8:30 and the Judge has given him a million dollar bond.”
The felony first degree murder charge arises from the death of Cadence Harris, who was killed as a result of the Friday night altercation,which police have said involved an exchange of gunfire with McGowan. Police that night said McGowan was the one who fired the bullet that killed Harris, but Thompson would not provide a definitive answer when asked that question specifically during the press conference. “I am not going to go into any further evidence about this at this time. That's going to be something we save for the court.” Thompson further explained his hesitation at answering such specific questions by saying, “I'm not going to be able to go into any evidence. I can only keep to what the complaint has said for you as well as that it is an ongoing investigation.”
Prior to the question being asked, he explained that felony first-degree murder can be filed under varying circumstances. “It's the felonious killing of a human being during the commission of an inherently dangerous crime which would be the aggravated endangering of a child. It's also charged in the alternative and would be the felonious killing of a human being in the commission of an inherently dangerous crime which would be a fleeing and elude.”
The fatal Friday night pursuit began following an altercation, apparently between McGowan and his girlfriend, at an Atchison residence. It was at some point during that incident that he drove from the residence with young Cadence as his passenger.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is continuing to oversee the ongoing investigation.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
LATEST STORIES
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday