RICHMOND, Va. – The trial date for Mairese Washington, the teen accused of murdering eight-year-old “tiny hero” Marty Cobb, will be set by February 2. Washington, 17, appeared before a circuit court judge in Richmond Thursday and answered the judge’s questions with “yes sir” and “no sir.” Washington is charged with first-degree murder, malicious wounding and strangulation.
Cobb was killed May 1, 2014 in South Richmond while attempting to defend his older sister from Washington, according to family members. Following Thursday’s hearing, prosecutors said Cobb’s sister was doing “remarkably well” and called her a resilient and an amazing girl.
The girl, who was 12 at the time of the attack, would likely be a key witness in the case.
Charges against Washington had previously been put aside while forensics evidence from the scene was tested. He was indicted again by a grand jury on January 5, 2015.
The attorney who represented Washington previously, John LaFratta, was assigned to his case. LaFrotta could not be immediately reached for comment.
Prosecutors said Washington’s trial was expected to last two days and consist of at least a dozen witnesses. They added Washington’s mental competency to stand trial was not an issue they are aware of right now.
