11-Apr-17 – The man accused of punching and knocking out a Mag Mile bartender – who was then run over by a taxi – has pleaded “not guilty.” Marcus Moore (left) entered the plea at his arraignment on March 15. He is accused of committing battery on a public street.

Marques Gaines was a 32-year-old bartender at Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. After his shift ended late on February 7, 2016, he went to Mother Hubbard’s Sports Bar on West Hubbard Street in River North, then next door to the 7-Eleven. After leaving the convenience store, he was struck in the back of the head and knocked unconscious by a man believed to be Moore who was seen in surveillance video arguing earlier with Gaines and a store security guard.

While lying in the street, Gaines was accidentally run over by a taxi. He died four hours later.

Moore is also 32 years old. He is in custody with bail set at $50,000. Judge Erica Reddick warned Moore that if he fails to appear in court, the trial can proceed without him. He has been assigned a public defender and his next hearing is scheduled for April 24.