Marquell Banks

The prosecutor in the criminal case for Science Burrus Friday dropped the murder charge, conceding there is no evidence he intentionally shot his friend, Marquell Banks.

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Pepper substituted new charges of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

Pepper and New Haven Chief Public Defender Thomas Ullmann had been embroiled in a probable cause hearing concerning the murder charge for the past month. In such hearings a judge ultimately decides whether the state has sufficient evidence to lodge the charge.

The two attorneys had been scheduled to present their closing arguments in the case Friday afternoon. But Friday morning Pepper announced his decision, relieving Fasano of the need to rule.

Read New Haven Register's full story on the charges against Burrus.

Marquell Banks

Attorneys for a man accused of firing a shotgun blast into the head of a 13-year-old boy began their attempt Tuesday to convince a judge that it wasn’t murder.

Science Burrus, 18, is jailed in lieu of $2 million bail in the October 2011 killing of Marquell Banks inside a Porter Street home.

Full story by New Haven Register: Science Burres' Lawyers Dispute Murder Charge In Marquell Banks Homicide Case.

Science Buruss

Victim: Marquell L. "Quelly" Banks, 13, of Pierpont Street, New Haven

Date: Oct. 23, 2011

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Neighborhood: West River

Location: 154 Porter Street

Weapon: Sawed-off shotgun

Arrests: Science Burruss (10-18-93), arrested Oct. 24, 2011

Marquell Banks, 13, of Pierpont Street dies of an accidental shotgun blast to the head, police say. The alleged shooter, Science Burruss, 18, turns himself in to police and is charged with murder, reckless endangerment and firearms counts. Burruss' father, Michael Burruss, tells the Register he believes the shooting was accidental, says guns are too easy to come by in New Haven. "It’s like getting a bicycle."

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