Second guilty plea in Chicago bank teller's killing

Victim's dad: 'These guys have no regard for human life whatsoever'

A second bank robber involved in a violent South Side shooting that took the life of a bank teller pleaded guilty today in a deal with prosecutors that would mean 20 years in prison.

Alton Marshall, 32, also agreed to testify against David Vance, the third suspect accused in the May 22, 2007, shootout that killed bank teller Tramaine Gibson and left two security guards wounded.

The bank teller’s father, Verton Gibson Jr., was in court today to argue against the plea deal. He told U.S. District Judge Joan Gottschall a 20-year sentence would be far too lenient.

“These guys have no regard for human life whatsoever,” Verton Gibson Jr. told Gottschall.

Gottschall said she would wait to read more materials before accepting his plea. Last month, a second suspect, Henry Bluford, apologized in court to Verton Gibson.

“This is something I didn't sign up for. I never expected it to happen,” Bluford said. “Things got out of hand . . . I just want him to know I’m sorry here. I can’t change it, but I really am.”

Marshall admitted in court he took part in the bloody shootout at the Illinois Service Federal Savings and Loan, 8700 S. King Dr. He told the judge he fired his own 9mm semi-automatic pistol, then wrestled away a weapon from a female security guard, which he also fired in the shootout.

Marshall’s agreement, if approved, would mean he would be spared from a sentence of up to 30 years. His agreeing to testify means he’s the second person who will point the finger at Vance as being the triggerman. Vance has pleaded not guilty and is expected to go to trial.