Duo may elude triple murder charge

When Rodney Roberts and Jason Henry reappear at the Serious Offences Court on April 2, they may well be discharged from a murder charge that has been lingering over their heads for the past seven months.{{more}}

The duo was charged with the triple murders of Reuben Small, 22, Ralson Omoro Baynes, 21, and Javon “John Wayne” Antoine, 20, which occurred on August 9 last year.

Around 3pm that tragic day, it was said that two masked gunmen stormed a house in Lowmans Leeward and all hell broke loose. One man was believed to have received two shots, one to his head and the other to his body. The two other victims reportedly received one shot each to their bodies.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young granted a final adjournment in the matter after defense counsel for both accused Arthur Williams raised the point that the prosecution has been seeking adjournments in the matter far too often and that the matter has been before the court for over seven months.

The veteran lawyer said that the prosecution is aware of the fact that they have no concrete evidence against the two accused and the court’s time was just being wasted. “My clients should be discharged if the prosecution is not ready with their case”, said Williams. “In Miss Churaman’s time (past Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman), I have seen her do the same and discharge persons on charges of murder.

Williams said it would pose no trouble for anyone if both defendants were discharged. “One of my clients is a student and they aren’t going anywhere All the police have to do is re-charge them if they have any evidence against them both”, stated Williams.

Prosecutor Station Sergeant Nigel Butcher said that he has not been able to peruse the files since they were housed at the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office. Butcher said that if the court was minded to grant a three-week adjournment, he would be able to get the file. His request was, however, turned down by Young who agreed that the matter be listed for a final adjournment. (KW)