Suspect in 2009 Iowa City murder makes initial appearance

A man charged with first-degree murder in the 2009 shooting death of an Iowa City landlord made his initial court appearance at the Johnson County Courthouse Tuesday morning after being brought back to the area from Texas.

Authorities believe that Justin A. Marshall, 20, was at 1958 Broadway Street, building C, when  John E. Versypt was shot and killed there on October 8, 2009.

During this morning's short initial appearance, Marshall spoke little, telling the judge that he had no questions about the charges against him and that he will need the services of a court provided lawyer.

Marshall is now being held at the Johnson County Jail on a $1 million bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.

Charles W. Curtis Thompson was charged with first-degree murder in the case in February 2010. Marshall became a person of interest in the case after a witness told Iowa City police that they heard a "pop" and heard Marshall knocking on a door and whispering to be let in.

Iowa City Police records indicate that Marshall was allegedly seen with Thompson and the gun believed to be the murder weapon the night prior to Versypt's death. Clothing belonging to Marshall later tested positive for the components that make up gunshot residue.

Marshall was taken into custody as a material witness November 18, 2009. Authorities said he had provided witness statements that were later proved to be incorrect and changed his story multiple times.

In March 2010, Marshall's attorney, Sarah Majerus, argued that his incarceration was unconstitutional. Marshall continued to be held, however, after Assistant Johnson County Attorney Meredith Rich-Chappell said that Marshall might flee. He was eventually released on April 29, 2010.

Marshall was

taken into custody without incident July 14 in Lancaster, Texas and charged in Versypt's murder. He was recently released from the Dallas County Jail and brought back to Johnson County by local law enforcement.