Suspect's Former Cellmate Takes Stand in Marckel Ross Murder Trial

A former cellmate of a man on trial in the death of a high school student testified Thursday.

Dontay Hall wore a wire for police. He said then-cellmate Travon Bennett confided in him about the 2012 murder of Marckel Ross.

Bennett, now 21, fatally shot Ross as the 18-year-old was on his way to Central High School in District Heights, Maryland, prosecutors said. The honor student’s death is believed to have been the result of a failed robbery attempt, according to Prince George’s County detectives.

Outside court Thursday, the victim's mother told News4 the murder left her feeling powerless.

“I’m the bear that protects her cubs and I feel like that day I was not able to protect one of my cubs,” said Elizabeth Ross. “I’m very upset but I know some things you just cannot control.”

Closing arguments in the trial are set for Monday.

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