Murder trial in death of Arvin educator postponed to next year

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The murder trial of a man accused of driving drunk and intentionally crashing into another vehicle — killing a longtime Arvin educator — has been delayed to January.

The postponement in the case against Marque Qualls came Friday, with a readiness hearing scheduled Jan. 17 and trial Jan. 27. Qualls remains in custody without bail.

He’s charged with second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, assault with a deadly weapon (his vehicle) and drunken driving-related offenses.

Qualls , 27, was arrested after the Feb. 15, 2023, collision between his and Hallum’s vehicles at the intersection of Old River Road and White Lane. Hallum remained hospitalized until his death weeks later.

Qualls told police he tried to kill himself by intentionally crashing, according to court filings. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit, the filings said.

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