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Man indicted in UGA professor's murder

A Baldwin County grand jury indicted Marcus Allen Lillard for felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and concealing death of another.

A man accused of killing a University of Georgia professor last year has been formally charged in the case.

A Baldwin County grand jury indicted Marcus Allen Lillard for felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct and concealing the death of another.

Marianne Shockley was found dead next to a hot tub in May 2019 in Baldwin County. The January four-count indictment revealed Shockley was assaulted and strangled. A second man, who was there when police arrived, shot himself at the scene.

Shockley's death came as a shock to the community. After she died, 11Alive talked to those who knew her. They described her as a person with a “warm, beautiful, incredible personality.”

Credit: Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
Marcus Lillard

RELATED: Baldwin County man charged with UGA professor's hot tub death

Former student Nancy Miorelli explained, “she was so kind, she always had time to listen to others.”

Shockley was a professor, community organizer, mentor and a well-known "bug lady."

As an internationally-known entomologist or insect scientist, she worked to raise awareness and encourage more people to consider eating bugs to help curb food scarcity.

RELATED: UGA professor found dead remembered as 'strong, talented, gracious'

"She just cared so much. Really validated my work," said Joseph Yoon, a chef and Executive Director of Brooklyn Bugs.

Shockley, was also a mentor to many of her grad students, like Miorelli, who works in Ecuador conducting tours on insects and the culture. 

“I’m only in Ecuador because of her," Miorelli said.

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