Suspects in murder of West Fargo high school student hint at self-defense claims

FARGO — According to the Fargo Police Department, the shooting death of a 16-year-old West Fargo high School student is a case of murder.

On Friday, June 2, three men appeared in court for the first time to face murder charges.

James Moore was

shot and killed last week outside a south Fargo apartment complex

.

According to his friend 19-year-old Fabian Scott, Moore pretended to be an associate of 31-year-old Marcus Rexrode to lure him to the area to rob him of marijuana.

Court papers don’t provide a clear picture, alleges that’s when a gun battle broke out with Rexrode, allegedly killing Moore with a single shot.

Those who were there counted up to 10 shots being fired.

Police said Moore had a gun, but it’s unclear if he fired.

Scott was ordered held on $1 million dollars cash bail.

“Is there anything else you would like me to consider before I set bail in this matter?” asked Judge Stephanie Stiel.

“Self-defense,” replied Scott.

Prosecutors said he is also wanted in Minneapolis for a drive-by shooting in a stolen car, however no other details were discussed.

Bail was set at $2 million for Rexrode.

“I don’t believe with the first thing that’s going against my name is true. I can only accept what comes forth,” said Rexrode, referring to the murder charge.

Marcus McCuin, 41, claimed he had no idea he was working as the alleged driver for the robbery, though Scott said he provided him with a gun that was ready to go.

The judge also set bail for McCuin at $1 million, which McCuin said is “inappropriate for what is going on.”

“I’ve been taking care of my kids and taking care of my baby mother because she ain’t been working. I pay a majority of the bills out here,” McCuin told the judge.

“It’s been a bit of a monumental effort to start with. Just a crumb and unravel a lot of different stories,” said Cass County Assitant State’s Attorney Jason Van Horn who has been working the case.

Even though Scott and McCuin went to the alleged drug trip with Moore with no intentions of hurting him, prosecutors said they charged them with murder due to what they refer to as the felony murder rule, which allows murder charges if a felony is committed and someone is killed.

“That played a part in what was going on in this case and considering the ages and the shock to the community, we thought it was appropriate to pursue those types of charges at this time,” said Cass County assistant state attorney James Van Horn.

If convicted, all three face the potential of life in prison without parole.

A fourth person, 36-year-old Tommie Trent, is facing marijuana charges, and is accused of giving Rexrode a ride to the drug deal.

Matt Henson is an Emmy award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years. He was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attended college at Lyndon State College in northern Vermont, where he was recognized twice nationally, including first place, by the National Academy for Arts and Science for television production. Matt enjoys being a voice for the little guy. He focuses on crimes and courts and investigative stories. Just as often, he shares tear-jerking stories and stories of accomplishment. Matt enjoys traveling to small towns across North Dakota and Minnesota to share their stories. He can be reached at mhenson@wday.com and at 610-639-9215. When he’s not at work (rare) Matt resides in Moorhead and enjoys spending time with his daughter, golfing and attending Bison and Sioux games.