Alexandria, La.(1/28/2026) – The Markese Harrell appeal ended with a major ruling from the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. The court reversed Harrell’s second degree murder conviction from Rapides Parish and ordered a new trial. harrell
Prosecutors charged Markese D. Harrell by indictment in June 2022. He faced a second degree murder charge under Louisiana law. Harrell pleaded not guilty and moved forward to a jury trial. harrell
The court selected the jury on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Trial began two days later, and testimony continued into the weekend. However, the judge removed a seated juror on Friday, April 25, 2025. harrell
The judge excused juror because she had a vacation scheduled for the following Monday. The court then replaced her with an alternate juror. Defense counsel objected on the record before the court dismissed her. harrell
Despite the juror change, the jury unanimously found Harrell guilty as charged. The trial court denied Harrell’s motion for a new trial. The judge then sentenced him to life in prison without benefits. harrell
On appeal, Harrell raised three arguments. He challenged the State’s reverse-Batson rulings, the juror removal, and the sufficiency of the evidence. However, the appellate court focused on the juror issue first. harrell
The Third Circuit said Louisiana law only allows alternate jurors to replace jurors who become unable to serve or disqualified. The court found no proof that Bordelon met either condition. The record also showed the court never questioned her about the vacation’s impact. harrell
The State argued the juror discussed her vacation during voir dire. However, the court rejected that claim. The judges said the first mention of the vacation appeared two days into trial. harrell
Because of that error, the Third Circuit reversed Harrell’s conviction and sentence. The court remanded the case back to the trial court for a new trial.
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