Marcus Lindsey

**Marcus Lindsey** is a minor character on *The Rookie*. He is a serial arsonist/killer who was responsible for the death of Fire Captain Fred Mitchell and kidnapping of John Nolan. He is played by Maury Sterling.

## Biography

He first appears in "Poetic Justice", where he comes over to his neighbor Fred's barbecue. He is introduced to Bailey's boyfriend John and is described by Fred as a good neighbor, though the latter doesn't let him live it down that Marcus ate his ice cream while housesitting. Marcus jokingly defends that he got hungry and it was good.

During "Fire Fight", following the destruction of Fred's house (that killed Fred and left Bailey injured), Marcus comes over to the precinct and hands John some files, while being distraught at what happend to Fred and gives Bailey his hopes. He is later seen at the remains of Fred's house to pay respects and Nolan sees him there. The pair share a talk about how his help has allowed the police to make progress. As Marcus leans down to place flowers, Nolan notices a burn mark on his lower back, recalling how an earlier victim who was struck by a car and kidnapped by the arsonist told him and Harper about such a mark on his attacker in the exact spot. Now suspicious, John tells Marcus he has to head out but as they part, Marcus strikes John with his car and sprays something in John's face, knocking him out. Marcus takes the unconscious John to an abandoned factory and the next day; a drowsy John awakes to find himself hearing music before spotting Marcus playing the harmonica; he taunts John about his situation. Marcus stomps John when he sees the latter is still dazed and soon reveals himself as the killer John has been looking for, stating he has been doing this for a decade but managing to stay ahead of the authorities by moving to new areas, thinking LA would be the perfect place to commit his crimes. However, he never anticipated people like John or Bailey to get close, while blaming himself for getting careless and voicing he will have to start over after he deals with John. He beats John when he tries to break free, stating he intends to do that for him, calling it one last game before he goes off the grid. Marcus makes it clear he commits his crimes for the thrill and has no shame in it. He releases John and sprays him with a drug laced substance to make him groggy and the chase more fun, while giving him a one-minute head start. After a twisted game of cat and mouse, John stabs Marcus in the gut with scissors and overcomes Marcus' relentless hunting with by managing to strike Marcus with his own car. With Marcus down for the count, a dazed John proceeds to strap his hands with zip ties, declaring his victory and putting Marcus under arrest for his killing spree. Before passing out, John uses Marcus' phone to call for help and collapses next to him. John's team arrive and transport them to the hospital, before sending Marcus to prison after he recovers.

## Trivia

* He hates scary movies, despite his spree.
* He seemed attracted to Bailey Nune, as noted by Harper and Lopez.
	+ Marcus even remarked on her beauty when holding John captive.
* He implies Marcus is not his real name, implying he took on several names in his spree though his true name is unknown.
* He is the second serial killer to abduct one of the squad; the first was Caleb Wright.
* In a twist of cruel irony, he stated to John that when man is pitted against car, the car always wins. This is what led to his defeat after being struck by his own car.

## Quotes

* Marcus: I feel no shame for what I do. The needs I feel. No, if I could murder someone every day, I would be the happiest man on the planet. Oh, I don't know -- maybe I'd lose my taste for it. You know, like when you eat too many chips.
Nolan: Anybody ever tell you you're crazy?
Marcus: Sure. But then I burn them to ash.

(4x07)