Bio

John Christopher Marquard was born on October 16, 1966. He grew up in North Carolina. In June 1991, Marquard, along with two companions, planned a trip from North Carolina to Florida. They intended to move and share expenses on the journey. During the drive, there were discussions among the group about criminal actions. This conversation would play a significant role in the events that followed.

Murder Story

On June 20, 1991, in St. Johns County, Florida, John Christopher Marquard murdered Stacy Willets. Marquard was with Willets and another man, Mike Abshire. They had traveled from North Carolina to Florida together. Before they left for Florida, Marquard and Abshire discussed robbing and killing Willets for her car and money.

When they reached St. Augustine, Marquard and Abshire lured Willets into a wooded area by telling her they were going to a party. Once they were in the woods, Marquard attacked her first. He came up from behind and stabbed her. Afterward, he pushed her face into a puddle to stop her from breathing. When her body started to convulse, he repeated this action. Abshire then participated by stabbing Willets' body as well. They attempted to sever her head from her body.

Marquard was later arrested for the crime. He confessed to law enforcement but claimed he had little memory of the actual murder. Abshire, however, provided a detailed account of what had occurred. Marquard was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. In February 1993, he was sentenced to death for the murder and received a life sentence for the robbery.