Contractor found guilty of murder

Recent murder convict Edson Maloney has to wait a little while longer to know his fate.{{more}}

Maloney, 29, a contractor of Richland Park, was convicted last Friday of the murder of Kendol Joseph, 32, a labourer of Richland Park on March 28, 2006 at Akers.

A two-hour deliberation by a 12 member mixed jury returned a unanimous decision of guilty.

Sentencing was scheduled for July 17 but counsel for Maloney, Nicole Sylvester said that that date was a bad time for her and Justice Gertel Thom decided to have the sentencing hearing at the September Assizes. A psychiatric and social Inquiry report must be presented on or before July 17.

A post mortem carried out on Joseph’s body revealed that he died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest.

Key witness for the prosecution Kelvin John said that Maloney got highly annoyed with Joseph after he (Joseph) refused to throw him a piece of wood, as he requested. An argument ensued between both men during which Maloney told Joseph to shut up. John said Maloney told Joseph to leave the site, following which Joseph asked to be paid. John said that he heard Maloney saying, “Way yo hit me wid de pick foot fa”

Moments after the argument John said he saw Maloney go to his vehicle and take out a knife and return to where Joseph was standing and stab him in his chest.

However, Maloney said that he and Joseph were arguing and when he went downstairs to get a tool, Joseph grabbed a pick foot and hit him below his right eye.

Maloney said he picked up a shovel to protect himself when Joseph ran out into the road, but he (Maloney) did not follow him. Moments later Joseph returned and was still arguing. Maloney said the deceased got close to him and pulled a knife from his waist. By this time in Maloney’s testimony, the tears were already flowing, and he was given a few moments by Justice Thom to regain his composure.

Maloney said he dropped the shovel and a struggle ensued between both men. Maloney said they were wrestling on the ground for a while and he saw blood coming from Joseph’s shirt. He said after a while he saw Joseph fall to the ground. He then carried him in his jeep to the Calder clinic where he was pronounced dead.(KW)