Robert Marks, 39, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree feticide. After a week long search the body of his missing pregnant mistress was found badly decomposed in a ditch. Marks had been initially arrested on aggravated kidnapping and child desertion charges, with the additional charges he is now facing the death penalty.
40-year-old Lyntell Washington was reported missing on June 9 after her 3-year-old daughter was found alone in a Baton Rouge parking lot outside her car which had blood inside it. An investigation led to the married Marks arrest. A co-worker told police that Marks was angry that Washington was pregnant with his child and had threatened to tell his wife. Marks is Assistant Principal at Brookstown Middle Magnet Academy where Washington was a teacher and is now on administrative leave.
The coroners report indicates that Washington died from a single gunshot wound to the head, as a result her unborn child died as well.
Sadly Lyntell Washington’s 3-year-old witnessed the last moments of her mother’s life. The probable cause report states that the child told investigators that “‘Mr. Robbie’ hurt her mother and was now sleeping.” The reported also stated the child was with her mother and Marks “when she heard a ‘bang’ and after the bang, her mom was ‘shaking.’ She also told police that her mom’s in the lake and that it was dark outside when her mom got hurt.” How tragic.
Police were able to trace the pings on both Marks and Washington’s phones to verify they were both in their area at the time. Both were in that area for approximately 15 minutes.
“He refused the answer questions and he asked for his attorney,” said BRPD spokesperson L’Jean McKneely said of Marks. “He has no emotion. We continued to press him for more information and still no answer and still no emotion,” she added.
“The only two words I can come up with is heinous and senseless. Anybody that can commit that type of crime to a female that is pregnant with your child is something that I can’t describe. It’s something that you don’t have word for,” further stated McKneely.
Lyntell Washington was a single mother and beloved teacher at Brookstown Middle Magnet Academy and was East Baton Rouge’s 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. Her daughter is now in the care of her family. East Baton Rouge Superintendent Warren Drake released a statement following the discovery of Wahington’s body:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Lyntell Washington and her unborn baby. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time of sadness. We are grateful that now they may begin to find some closure. Ms. Washington was a treasured member of our team, and will be remembered for the impact she had on the many lives she touched through her work in our district. We will continue to offer support to Ms. Washington’s coworkers and students during this difficult time.
