Justice Served: Guilty Plea in the Murder of South Philadelphia Store Owner
Maurice Green pleads guilty to third-degree murder in the shooting death of Marie Buck, an 81-year-old corner store owner, after a seven-year legal battle.
In a case that has spanned nearly seven years, Maurice Green has finally pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the shooting death of Marie Buck, an 81-year-old corner store owner in south Philadelphia. The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve in 2016, shocked the community and left Buck’s family devastated. Green, who had initially been convicted of first-degree murder in a 2019 retrial, had his conviction overturned on appeal. Now, after a long legal battle, justice has been served as Green accepts responsibility for his actions.
A Tragic and Senseless Crime
Marie Buck, a beloved member of the community, was tragically killed in her own store over a dispute about a stolen necklace. Maurice Green, in a fit of anger, intended to target someone else he believed was responsible for the theft. However, that person was not present at the store that fateful morning. The fact that an unarmed and vulnerable 81-year-old woman became the victim of such violence is incomprehensible. The community was left in shock and mourning, unable to understand how such a senseless crime could occur.
A Long-Awaited Guilty Plea
After years of legal proceedings, Maurice Green finally pleaded guilty to third-degree murder. The plea came with a sentence of 24 to 40 years in state prison, providing some closure for Buck’s family and the community. Common Pleas Judge Glenn Bronson expressed his disbelief at the heinous nature of the crime, emphasizing the senselessness of shooting an unarmed elderly woman over a necklace dispute. Green, in court, expressed remorse and apologized to the family, acknowledging the weight of his actions and the pain he has caused.
A Haunting Memory
Maurice Green, who grew up just down the street from Marie’s Grocery, shared his remorse in court, stating that he feels haunted by the memory of Marie Buck. He recalled buying sandwiches from her store as a child and expressed deep regret for the pain he has caused her family. Green’s words highlight the lasting impact of his actions and the profound loss experienced by Buck’s loved ones. The tragedy of Marie Buck’s murder will forever be etched in the memories of those who knew her and the community she served for over four decades.
A Twisted Legal Journey
The legal journey surrounding Marie Buck’s murder has been long and convoluted. Maurice Green was initially convicted of first-degree murder in a 2019 retrial, following a hung jury in his first trial. However, the verdict was overturned on appeal in 2021. The appeals court ruled that the trial judge erred in allowing prosecutors to present evidence of a previous crime for which Green had never been arrested or convicted. This decision led to a new plea deal and a guilty plea for third-degree murder.
A Sad Commentary on Drugs and Violence
Prosecutor Joanne Pescatore described the case as “a sad commentary on drugs in this city.” The underlying dispute over a stolen necklace that led to Marie Buck’s murder highlights the destructive impact of drug-related violence. Buck’s family expressed their desire for closure, stating that they simply wanted the legal proceedings to be over. The emotional toll of the case was evident as family members, overcome with grief, sat together in the courtroom during the sentencing.
Conclusion: The guilty plea of Maurice Green in the murder of Marie Buck brings a semblance of closure to a case that has haunted the community for nearly seven years. While the legal journey has been fraught with twists and turns, justice has ultimately been served. The tragic and senseless loss of Marie Buck serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug-related violence. As the community mourns her loss, they also hope that her memory will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring efforts to combat the root causes of such crimes and ensure the safety of all residents.