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2nd teen arrested in coffee-spill murder; other charged as adult

A third suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man over a cup of spilled coffee. The 17-year-old suspect is charged with hindering prosecution because he ran from

News 12 Staff

Mar 19, 2015, 2:24 AM

Updated 3,565 days ago

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A third suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man over a cup of spilled coffee.
The 17-year-old suspect is charged with hindering prosecution because he ran from the scene of the crime with evidence, according to police. The teen will appear in court Thursday. Police say he is unlikely to be charged as an adult because the charge against him is less severe than his alleged accomplices. 
However, 15-year-old Marquest Hall will be tried as an adult because he allegedly stabbed 52-year-old Antonio Muralles outside a Stamford McDonald's after Muralles accidentally spilled coffee on Hall as he was leaving the restaurant on March 11. Hall, who police say instigated the incident, is being held on $2 million bond.
The case has shocked some veterans of the court system and police officials. "I've polled my peers ... and nobody can think of anybody in the last 30 some-odd years that has faced these charges at this age," said Stamford Police Department Capt. Richard Conklin.
Hall, 15, appeared at a closed hearing Tuesday. His attorney, Mark Sherman, declined to comment on the allegations against his client. But he said he will be looking at police reports, witness statements and surveillance video.
"Anytime a child this young is accused of murder in adult court, you have to take a real close look at the evidence and proceed with diligence, thoroughness and compassion," said Sherman.
James McLamb, 22, of New Haven, is also being held on $2 million bond in the fatal stabbing. He is accused of punching Muralles after he was stabbed, and he is charged with murder, along with Hall. McLamb is due in court again in April.