JEANERETTE — A man still awaiting trial on manslaughter charges in the Christmas Eve 2016 murder of Jeanerette resident Howard Poche is in jail after a city marshal fired at him following a vehicle chase as he ran from the marshal.

The driver was identified Friday as Jeffery Lee Marks, 26, of Jeanerette. Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Marks for aggravated assault with a firearm on a peace officer. He was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on that charge, as well as possession of stolen property worth more than $500, aggravated flight from an officer, felon carrying an illegal weapon, illegal possession of stolen firearms, possession of a stolen auto, failure to signal, and driving under suspension. He is being held without bond. 

Marks was initially charged with first-degree murder in Poche’s death, but the charge was reduced to manslaughter in 2017. Michele King, 47, and Roy Verret, 53, also charged with first-degree murder in Poche’s death, are still facing capital charges. 

Poche’s body was found stuffed in a trash can behind his home after he was reported missing Christmas Day 2016.

After his charges were reduced in 2017, Marks was released on $200,000 bond.

According to the preliminary Louisiana State Police investigation, a Jeanerette city marshal attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Marks was driving, but he refused to stop. The marshal gave chase. When the driver reached a dead end on Ira Street, LSP investigators say the driver and a passenger attempted to flee on foot. 

The marshal pursued the driver on foot, firing his service weapon and striking Marks.

Marks suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Marshals also arrested the passenger. 

The marshal was not injured.

This investigation remains active and ongoing, and there is no further information available at this time.