Judge limits murder discussion in Tellis trial
In pre-trial hearings for Quinton Tellis on Monday, 4th Judicial District Judge Larry Jefferson prohibited the discussion of "murder" and "alleged murder" in connection with two other cases tied to the defendant to prevent prejudicing the jury.
Tellis is accused of one count unauthorized use of an access card and one count possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute.
The defense asked the court to prevent discussion of the murders of Meing-Chen Hsiao, 34, in Monroe and Jessica Chambers, 19, in Mississippi. Tellis has been tied to both cases. The prosecution will be allowed to reference Hsiao's death and establish a probable time of death through witness testimony, but the nature of the injuries that led to her death cannot be discussed.
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According to arrest reports in the case, Tellis used a debit card belonging to a homicide victim, later identified as Hsiao, for three separate transactions in August.
Hsiao, a University of Louisiana at Monroe alumna, was found dead at her apartment in the 400 block of Filhiol Avenue on Aug. 8.
Tellis was indicted on capital murder charges Feb. 24 by a Panola County grand jury in relation to Chambers’ death.
Chambers was discovered on the roadside with burns over 98 percent of her body in December 2014. She later died in Courtland as a result of her injuries.
In other pre-trial rulings, Jefferson said the state may use statements Tellis made in August 2015 interviews with Monroe Police Department detectives during trial.
Assistant District Attorney Neal Johnson argued that statements Tellis provided to detectives on Aug.11, when interviewed as a witness in the MPD investigation Hsiao's death, demonstrated specific intent for the possession of marijuana with intent to distribute charges Tellis later faced.
Tellis reportedly told detectives he did not work and would buy items for resale.
In his testimony during the pre-trial hearings, Detective Duane Cookson said the MPD was attempting to establish a timeline of Hsiao's activities when Tellis initially was interviewed. A second witness reported seeing Tellis at Hsiao's apartment, and he was observed with Hsiao on Wal-Mart security footage from July 28.
Accused killer faces trial on drug, debit card charges Monday
A notice of intent to use evidence of other crimes filed by the state on May 5 states Tellis told detectives he and Hsiao filled a prescription for Lortab at the Wal-Mart neighborhood market on DeSiard Street on July 28. Tellis said he purchased the Lortab from Hsiao for $50 and intended to sell it, according to the court document.
Additional questioning of Tellis also took place on Aug. 19. During this interview, Tellis was considered a suspect in an investigation into the unauthorized use of an access card, later identified as Hsiao’s Chase Bank card.
When executing a search warrant at Tellis' home, officers found approximately one-quarter pound of marijuana separated into multiple bags.
Defense attorney Randall Donald argued the marijuana authorities reported finding may have been for personal use.
Jefferson ruled Tellis' statements were free and voluntary and allowed for their use in trial.
Jury selection for a six-person jury began Monday.