65 matters down for May Criminal Assizes

Justice Frederick Bruce-Lyle and prosecutors have their hands full in the upcoming weeks as they attempt to tackle the 65 matters set down for the May Criminal Assizes.{{more}}

The Assizes officially commenced at the High Court on Tuesday, May 24, with the arraignment of prisoners.

Twenty seven murder matters and seven rape cases are just some of the cases down for hearing at the Assizes.

Some of those cases include the trial of Redemption Sharpes residents Che Bute and Azari Ash. Both men are charged in connection with the murder of Lloyd “Lazo” Samuel back in 2007.

After two years of investigations, police finally arrested the two on April 24, 2010.

Samuel died on Christmas Day at the Intensive Care Unit at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), after spending four days in a coma. He sustained three gunshots to his head around 1:15 am at Redemption Sharpes, while reversing his car into his yard.

Also on the list are convicted murderers Sheldon Bain and Webster Woodley who will be tried for the murder of Livingston Primus of Sion Hill in August 2004. Bain is also charged with the double murder of Woodley’s mother and stepfather in December 2004.

Ottley Hall resident Atiba Bess, 18, will answer to the murder of Sherene Clouden, which took place on December 8, 2008, at Edinboro. Clouden was shot in the head while standing near the public road in the company of two men.

Police Constable Ercisson Harris will also have his chance to stand before judge and jury. Harris will be re-tried for the double murders of Janine Gill and Vonley Llewellyn on December 15, 2005.

No guilty pleas were recorded at the arraignment.(KW)