PHILADELPHIA (August 15, 2024) — District Attorney Larry Krasner and members of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Prolific Gun Offenders Unit (PGOU) announced on Thursday that a Philadelphia Judge found Marquise Alexander (DOB 3/26/96) guilty for his role in a home invasion and gunpoint robbery that occurred in August 2023 in the city’s East Germantown section.
Alexander was found guilty at a waiver trial on Monday of Robbery (F1), Conspiracy (F1), Theft (F2), Receiving Stolen Property (F2), 2 counts of VUFA 6105 (F1), 2 counts of VUFA 6106 (F3), 2 counts of VUFA 6108 (M1), and Possession of an Instrument of Crime (M1).
On the evening of August 16, 2023, the victim returned to his residence on the 500 block of Church Lane to find Alexander, who was his co-worker at a nearby grocery store, and an unknown co-conspirator, waiting at his front door. Flummoxed and wanting to diffuse the situation, Ryans allowed Alexander and his co-conspirator to enter the residence. A struggle between the defendant and Ryans ensued after the co-conspirator stole one of Ryans’ licensed firearms. While the defendant’s accomplice held the victim at gunpoint, Alexander proceeded to steal more valuables before both men exited the residence. The defendant subsequently stopped reporting to his parole officer and fled Philadelphia.
At the time of the incident, the defendant was on parole for several previous robberies. Alexander is also facing charges in Delaware County for his role in another gunpoint robbery that occurred in October 2023. Alexander is scheduled for sentencing before the Hon. Chesley Lightsey on October 18, 2024.
“I’m grateful for Assistant District Attorney Kelsey Gimaro’s skillful prosecution of this case,” said DA Krasner. “This conviction shows that our newly-launched Prolific Gun Offender Unit means business. Thanks to funding from City Council, we are increasing our focus on the small number of individuals who are prohibited from using firearms and who pose the most serious threats to public safety. The PGOU is dedicated to securing justice for the victims and communities harmed by firearms.”
“I’m proud of the fact that this dangerous individual will be held accountable for his inexcusable behavior,” said ADA Gimaro. “I’m also grateful to the survivor in this case, Otis Ryans, who bravely testified at trial and helped secure a conviction against Marquise Alexander. Illegally-obtained firearms in the hands of dangerous individuals continue to create unsafe situations for the people of Philadelphia. We will continue to do everything we can to take on these cases and achieve justice for the victims and the community.”
“I want to thank Kelsey for fighting so hard for me,” said Otis Ryans. “I also want to give a special thanks to Philadelphia Police Officer O’Neill for involving me in the investigation. I also want Mr. Alexander to know the damage you’ve caused me, financially and emotionally. I probably won’t ever get a ‘sorry’, but you’ve already been forgiven.”
The mission of the Prolific Gun Offenders Unit, which launched in April, is to prosecute individuals who repeatedly commit gun possession offenses and violent crimes that involve guns, including Felon in Possession of a Firearm (VUFA 6105); Straw Purchases (VUFA 6111); Juveniles in Possession of Firearms (VUFA (6110.1); and individuals who are arrested and charged with the manufacturing and distribution of polymer firearms, or ‘ghost guns’.
CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, [email protected]
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually. Learn more about the DAO by visiting PhillyDA.org.