Man Charged in Fatal Shooting of 2 During Dispute Inside Car

Charges have been filed against a Chicago man in the fatal shooting of two men during a dispute inside a moving car.

Marquis Watkins, of Chicago, was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting that took place early Monday in the city's Loop. 

Authorities said that around 12 a.m. in the 500 block of South Michigan Avenue, five men were in a car traveling southbound when an altercation led to shots being fired, striking four of the men. 

Authorities said the driver was shot in the shoulder and lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a pole before the car flipped upside down and landed on its roof.

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Jamie Santini said Watkins, 39, and four others were out to celebrate the birthday of 29-year-old Bruce Miller and were driving around when Watkins began firing early Monday. A motive for the shooting was not given.

Santini says one man was sitting in a rear passenger seat when he then saw muzzle flashes and Watkins holding a gun.

Santini said Miller and 31-year-old Steve Nixon were fatally shot in the head. Two others were wounded.

Watkins' attorney said his client has never been convicted of a crime. He was ordered held without bond Wednesday following a hearing on the charges. 

Copyright The Associated Press
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