Driver in Thursday night homicide had warrant out for his arrest

LORAIN — Christian Marshall, the man who was driving when a teenager was shot to death Thursday night, is being held without bond on two charges of contempt of court. According to Lorain County Court records, Marshall, 19, had two warrants issued for his arrest from the Lorain County Adult Probation Department on Sept. 20. In a case filed in December, Marshall was indicted for possession of marijuana, excessive speed for condition and a seat belt violation. In a case filed in January, he was indicted for receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, fictitious plates and driving under suspension. Court records show the two cases were merged and Marshall pleaded guilty to the indictments and was given intervention in lieu of conviction. Marshall was given a maximum of three years probation. Lorain police Capt. Roger Watkins said in a release Friday that Marshall was driving when Jessica Baker, 17, of Lorain died from a gunshot wound Thursday night. Police responded when Christian Marshall, 19, of Lorain, called 911 and told them Jessica had been shot while they were driving together. Watkins said neither of the contempt of court charges were related to the Thursday night incident. He declined to comment on whether Marshall was a person of interest in the incident. In the 911 call Marshall had told officers the car was shot near the water tower on East 36th Street. Watkins, however, said Marshall wasn't telling the truth about where the shooting happened. He said the shooting remains under investigation. Contact Sean McDonnell at 329-7148 or smcdonnell@chroniclet.com.