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Mikhail Markhasev

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 107.77.205.106 (talk) at 23:31, 21 September 2016 (→‎Personal life: Political agenda. Markhasev was Ukrinean from one of the most pro nationalistic Ukrainean areas of the Ukraine. Making affiliation between him and Russian people is a political agenda.). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Mikhail "Michael" Markhasev[1][2] (Russian: Михаи́л Мархасёв; born c. 1979)[3][4] is a Ukrainian-born[5][6][7] refugee legally residing in the United States.[8] He is responsible for the murder of Ennis Cosby, the only son of actor and comedian Bill Cosby.[9][10] The crime took place during the early morning of January 16, 1997 in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles.[11][12] During an attempted robbery,[13] Markhasev fatally shot Cosby, who was fixing a flat tire near a freeway off-ramp.[14][15][16] Cosby was shot in the head.[17] On July 7, 1998, Markhasev was convicted of first-degree murder of Cosby and attempted robbery.[6][18] In February 2001, Markhasev officially confessed to Cosby's murder in a handwritten letter, admitting full responsibility of the crime he committed.[6][16][18] He is currently serving a life sentence at Corcoran State Prison.[5]

Biography

Personal life

Markhasev and his family are from the western side of Ukraine, which was then part of the Soviet Union.[4] Marhasev was eight years old when his mother and father divorced.[19] In 1989,[4][19] when he was either 9 or 10,[3] Markhasev and his mother, Vicktoria Gorenshtein Markhasev,[3][12] moved from Lvov to Los Angeles.[7][19] Markhasev entered the United States legally as a refugee and is not an American citizen.[8]

He first attended Gardner Street Elementary School.[4][19][20] Then he attended John Burroughs Middle School and McAuliffe Middle School.[4] Between August 1991 and June 1992 he was enrolled in a program for gifted children while in middle school.[7] For high school, he first attended Los Alamitos High School.[4][19][21] Then he attended for a few months at Reseda High School, where he was in the college prep program.[4][7][19] He dropped out and never returned to Reseda High to serve a six-month stint in Los Pinos Juvenile Detention Center for an offense authorities have declined to reveal.[4][22] In addition, Reseda High transferred Markhasev's records to Los Pinos High School.[7]

While at school, Markhasev was referred to as "Skippy" by students who liked him.[19] Markhasev once had a girlfriend by the name of Maggie.[22] He also dated Joy Williams for two months while they were both freshmen.[4][21] Williams, who is African-American, has denied reports that Markhasev was racist[21] (Markhasev is alleged to have said, "I shot the nigger").[6][23]

Markhasev is said to have been a member of a Mexican Mafia prison gang.[24][25] In addition, he went by the street name, "PWee."[22]

Murder of Ennis Cosby

Main article: Murder of Ennis Cosby

On March 12, 1997, Markhasev was officially arrested as a suspect of Cosby's murder.[26][27] Markhasev pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and paid a $50 fine just hours before his arrest.[10][21] On both March 28 and May 13 of 1997, Markhasev pleaded not guilty of murdering Cosby.[28][29][30][31] On May 30, 1997, it was decided that Markhasev would not face the death penalty if convicted,[32] a decision accepted by Ennis's parents Bill & Camille Cosby.[33]

Trial, conviction and imprisonment

Markhasev's defense attorneys argued that the real killer was Eli Zakaria, who was with Marhasev when Cosby was murdered.[11][34][35] In addition, Stephanie Crane, who said she saw the face of Cosby's killer, testified that she did not identify Markhasev as the culprit.[36] It was also revealed that the gun that was used had no prints on it.[37]

Markhasev's mother, Vicktoria, testified an alibi that her son was at home on January 15, 1997, and the early morning of January 16, helping her pack for her move to a new apartment. She said her son also was at home when she left for work the next morning.[12] An unidentified 19-year-old testified another alibi that Markhasev was with him and another teen, staying in Tijuana from January 15 until January 19 or 20.[38]

Prosecutor Anne Ingalls told the jury that Markhasev confessed to the crime to his friend, Michael Chang, who refused to testify.[11][23][25]

On July 7, 1998, Markhasev was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Ennis Cosby and attempted robbery.[6][39][40][41] On August 11, 1998, Markhasev was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[39] Markhasev is serving his sentence at Corcoran State Prison.[5][42][43][44]

In February 2001, Markhasev wrote a letter to California Deputy Attorney General Kyle Brody, admitting that he murdered Cosby and added an official apology to the Cosby family.[6] Markhasev wrote:

Although my appeal is in its beginning stages, I don't want to continue with it because it's based on falsehood and deceit. I am guilty, and I want to do the right thing. More than anything, I want to apologize to the victim's family. It is my duty as a Christian, and it's the least I can do, after the great wickedness for which I am responsible. This is way overdue, and although my apology is too late, it's still the right thing to do. This is not about me, but about those whose lives I've marred. My motive is to at least try to mend the things which I've destroyed.[6][16][18][45]

— Mikhail Markhasev, February 2001

References

  1. ^ "Teen Is Indicted In Ennis Cosby Murder". Chicago Tribune. 12 April 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Cosby Slaying Suspect Indicted". Chicago Tribune. 11 April 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ a b c Murr, Andrew (23 March 1997). "JUST A 'RANDOM' CRIME". Newsweek. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ayres, Jr., B. Drummond (15 March 1997). "Suspect in Cosby Killing 'a Kid Really Hard Beyond His Years'". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Vickers, Marques (2015). Murder in California: The Topography of Evil: Notorious Murder Sites in California. Marquis Publishing. page 127
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Robinson, Bryan (9 February 2001). "Convicted Killer of Ennis Cosby Confesses". ABC News. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d e Garza, Melita Marie (15 March 1997). "Suspect In Cosby Death Has `Criminal History'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ a b Garza, Melita Marie (14 March 1997). "Russian-born Teenager Held In Cosby Slaying". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ "Bill Cosby: Struck by Loss and Scandal, He Gallantly Soldiers on". People (magazine). 29 December 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ a b "Drug Plea Made Just Before Cosby Suspect Murder Arrest". Chicago Tribune. 18 March 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ a b c "World: Americas Cosby killer gets life". BBC News. 8 July 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  12. ^ a b c "Cosby Defendant's Mom Offers Alibi". Chicago Tribune. 3 July 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  13. ^ "Testimony Describes Killing of Cosby Son". The New York Times. 16 July 1998. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Berthelsen, Christian (23 June 1998). "Trial Starts for Defendant in the Killing of Bill Cosby's Son". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ "An Arrest in Cosby's Killing". The New York Times. 16 March 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ a b c Buckley, Frank (10 February 2001). "Saturday Morning News: Murderer of Ennis Cosby Makes Full Confession". CNN. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  17. ^ Szymanski, Mike (17 July 2011). "Closed Area: History Flows Through the Sepulveda Pass". Patch Media. Retrieved 17 May 2016.
  18. ^ a b c "Man Confesses Slaying Of Bill Cosby's Son, Ennis, And Drops Appeal". Jet (magazine). 26 February 2001. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help) page 16
  19. ^ a b c d e f g Berry, Steve; Goldman, Abigail (12 July 1998). "SPECIAL REPORT * Mikail Markhasev's life was full of bad choices. A close look at Ennis Cosby's slayer reveals . . . : A Slide From Honor Student to Killer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ Lawson, Kristan; Rufus, Anneli (2013). California Babylon. St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 9781466854147. page 88
  21. ^ a b c d "Cosby Suspect Depicted As Drug User". The Seattle Times. 18 March 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  22. ^ a b c Berry, Steve; Goldman, Abigail (12 July 1998). "SPECIAL REPORT * Mikail Markhasev's life was full of bad choices. A close look at Ennis Cosby's slayer reveals . . . : A Slide From Honor Student to Killer (part 2 of 2)". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ a b "Jury screening begins in Ennis Cosby murder trial". Sun Journal (Lewiston, Maine). 1 June 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ "National News Briefs; Judge Won't Seal Names Of Jurors in Cosby Killing". The New York Times. 17 June 1998. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ a b Deutsch, Linda (17 August 1998). "RULES IN GANG CASES RAISE CONCERNS". Associated Press. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  26. ^ Ayres, Jr., B. Drummond (14 March 1997). "Young Russian Immigrant Charged With Cosby Killing". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  27. ^ "Today in History - March 12". NBC News. 12 March 2007. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  28. ^ "Not-Guilty Plea Entered In Killing of Ennis Cosby". The New York Times. 14 May 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  29. ^ "Suspect in Cosby Killing Enters Plea of Not Guilty". The New York Times. 29 March 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ "Not guilty plea in Cosby case". The Irish Times. 14 May 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  31. ^ "Cosby Suspect Pleads Innocent". Chicago Tribune. 13 May 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Life Sentence To Be Sought In Cosby Case". The New York Times. 31 May 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Cosby Suspect Won't Face Death". Chicago Tribune. 30 May 1997. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ "Lawyer Cites 2nd Man In Cosby Case". Chicago Tribune. 19 June 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  35. ^ "Lawyers: Cosby Killer Still Free". CBS News. 23 June 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  36. ^ "Witness Can't Identify Cosby Defendant". Chicago Tribune. 24 June 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  37. ^ "Cosby Murder Gun Has No Prints, Lawyer Says". The New York Times. 19 April 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  38. ^ "Reports of an alibi surface for suspect in Cosby killing". San Francisco Gate. 2 May 1997. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  39. ^ a b "Cosby's Killer Gets Life Sentence". Chicago Tribune. 11 August 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ "Forger's Claim Spurs Appeal In Cosby Case". Chicago Tribune. 3 January 1999. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  41. ^ "Jury Convicts Teen In Cosby Son's Death". Chicago Tribune. 8 July 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  42. ^ "Chelsea King's Killer Shares Prison Unit With Charles Manson". Fox News Channel. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  43. ^ Walker, Mark (12 February 2011). "REGION: Gardner working as 'porter' at Corcoran". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved 16 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ "Gardner shares prison unit with Charles Manson". KFMB-TV. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  45. ^ "Man admits he killed Cosby's son". Amarillo Globe-News. 10 February 2001. Retrieved 17 May 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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