Alleged teen killer pleads not guilty by mental disease

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - Marquis McCloud, accused of killing a pregnant teenager last May, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

During his arraignment, McCloud pleaded not guilty by mental disease or defect. He faces a charge of capital murder of two or more persons.

19-year-old Anastasia Gilley vanished from her Jackson County home on May 3, 2023. Officers found her body a week later near Headland Avenue in Dothan. McCloud allegedly took her from Greenwood, Florida, and shot her in the back multiple times, killing her and her unborn baby.

READ MORE: Marquis McCloud’s charge that he killed pregnant teen sent to grand jury

A Houston County grand jury indicted McCloud on the charges that he shot Gilley to death in October.

This is not McCloud’s first known act of violence. He has a criminal history going back 15 years.

READ MORE: Man charged with killing pregnant woman faced multiple rape, other charges

In 2010, a Henry County judge sentenced him to eight years for rape. He faced another rape charge out of Quitman County, Georgia in 2015. McCloud was charged with rape for a third time in 2017 but the charge was dismissed by a grand jury.

Among his other arrests are violating sex offender registration laws and robbery, per court records.

READ MORE: Man charged with killing pregnant woman faced multiple rape, other charges

Court records show McCloud’s trial is set for July 29. If convicted, a jury would sentence him to life without parole or the death penalty.

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