Accused State Fair Counterfeiter Once Arrested for Murder
By: Lauren Trager, KARK 4 News
Updated: October 24, 2012
A man accused of using counterfeit cash at the Arkansas State Fair was once accused of another crime: murder.
The family of a man killed in 2010 says the accused counterfeiter should never have been on the streets.
Marcus Bledsoe is out on bond, charged with 53 counts of forgery for having counterfeit cash at the State Fair.
But in November 2010, he was arrested for 1st degree murder after a shooting at Maple Street and Charles Bussey Drive in Little Rock.
A coroner's report said that 32-year-old Edmar Higgins was shot 16 times in the back.
But Higgins' family was shocked to learn prosecutor's wouldn't be pressing any charges.
Several attorneys reviewed the file. They say Higgins also had a weapon.
According to evidence and witness statements, they decided the murder was justified.
Higgins' family thinks the system failed them then. But now, with these additional charges, they have faith.
"We just thank God that this latest instance has happened and hope that perhaps justice will be served and he will be incarcerated this time, for good," said Eddie Lee Higgins, Jr., the victim's brother.
Bledsoe did have a previous conviction for drugs.
He could face more prison time for each of his counts of forgery. Federal agents are still investigating the case and may press extra charges of their own.
The family of a man killed in 2010 says the accused counterfeiter should never have been on the streets.
Marcus Bledsoe is out on bond, charged with 53 counts of forgery for having counterfeit cash at the State Fair.
But in November 2010, he was arrested for 1st degree murder after a shooting at Maple Street and Charles Bussey Drive in Little Rock.
A coroner's report said that 32-year-old Edmar Higgins was shot 16 times in the back.
But Higgins' family was shocked to learn prosecutor's wouldn't be pressing any charges.
Several attorneys reviewed the file. They say Higgins also had a weapon.
According to evidence and witness statements, they decided the murder was justified.
Higgins' family thinks the system failed them then. But now, with these additional charges, they have faith.
"We just thank God that this latest instance has happened and hope that perhaps justice will be served and he will be incarcerated this time, for good," said Eddie Lee Higgins, Jr., the victim's brother.
Bledsoe did have a previous conviction for drugs.
He could face more prison time for each of his counts of forgery. Federal agents are still investigating the case and may press extra charges of their own.
