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Marquis Poteat, 35, pleaded guilty this week to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison, with all but 60 years suspended, for killing Frankye Duckett two years ago, prosecutors announced on Tuesday, May 2.
Additionally, Poteat pleaded guilty to the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and was sentenced to an additional 20 years on that offense for shooting Duckett, 49, on January 2021 in the 4400 block of Moravia Road.
Officers were called to the crime scene on Jan. 29, 2021, when Poteat and co-conspirator Ernest Ford, drove a beige Buick up to Duckett’s bus, he got out of the passenger's seat and began firing into the driver’s side window of the vehicle.
Video showed Poteat firing multiple shots toward the bus, shattering the window before Poteat climbed through and continued shooting. He then retreated back to the Buick, which Ford drove away.
According to prosecutors, Poteat’s grandmother was picked up from the 1200 block of West Mulberry Street and taken to Moravia Road. She told investigators that Poteat had gotten into an argument with the bus driver at the pick-up location before the shooting.
The clothes he was wearing at the time of the argument matched those of the shooting suspect, they noted, and the Buick LeSabre was also tracked down that day, and Ford was taken into custody.
DNA evidence led to the recovery of blood from the passenger door that was linked to Poteat, who was later arrested after fleeing the state.
“This brazen and senseless act of violence continues to be felt deeply throughout the city,” Deputy State’s Attorney Thomas M. Donnelly said. “Everyone should be able to be safe while on the job, but especially our public service workers whose professions are devoted to serving the residents of Baltimore
Ford is awaiting his sentencing for his role as the getaway driver after the shooting.
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