Davis Double-Murderer “Joked” About Killing, Former Best Friend Testifies
Alleged murderer Daniel Marsh told his former best friend Alvaro Garibay about how he broke into an elderly couple’s house and stabbed them to death soon after the crime. Based on previous jokes the two shared, Garibay testified he didn’t take Marsh seriously at first.
Marsh, 17, is alleged to have killed Oliver “Chip” Northup, 87, and his wife Claudia Maupin, 76. Marsh’s trial began on September 2. Marsh pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on June 2. Though Marsh was 15 at the time of his arrest, he is being tried as an adult.
As he began testifying, Garibay admitted he was nervous, but identified Marsh, his former best friend, seated at the defense table in the courtroom. The two became close in seventh grade at Holmes Junior High School in Davis and soon considered each other family. Garibay remembered the first time Marsh talked about killing. One day at school, Marsh told Garibay wished he could kill Martie, a woman with whom his mother was romantically involved. “I didn’t take it seriously,” Garibay said.
Both kids often “joked” about killing or beating up people they hated. But neither boy ever acted out the brutal scenarios. Then Marsh told Garibay he killed Northup and Maupin, smiled and showed off blood-stained clothing he wore during the killing. Garibay said he was terrified and he didn’t know what to do. He talked to Marsh’s girlfriend, whom Marsh also told about the murders. Garibay broke off contact with Marsh and eventually told Marsh’s father Bill about his fears. But the dad didn’t believe him.
Garibay then called police, letting them know what his former friend had shown and told him. Police arrested Marsh in June, 2013. Marsh’s trial will continue on September 5. Sources said it may last a month.
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