Sharpes man freed of murder charge

One of three men charged with the murder of Esron ‘Banks’ Ells, was on Friday, July 20, cleared of that charge.{{more}}

Shawn Phillips, 29, auto body repair worker of Redemption Sharpes was freed after pleading not guilty to Ells’ murder, which took place on June 18, 2010.

Phillips’ lawyer, Jomo Thomas, told SEARCHLIGHT they were able to convince the prosecution that his client had no case to answer and in working out a plea bargain, Phillips pleaded not guilty and was released.

“I think it was a good decision by the DPP. The system worked in this case,” Thomas said.

However, Jabari Charles, 23, labourer, and Romano Pompey will still have to face the court. Pompey, initially charged with murder, on Friday pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter . He also pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a firearm.

On the other hand, Charles pleaded guilty to wounding and unlawful use of a firearm.

The men will be sentenced on September 29, pending a Social Inquiry report.

Ells, 22, also of Redemption Sharpes, died shortly after 10 p.m. on June 18, 2010, after he was gunned down in the area of the National Broadcasting Corporation building at Richmond Hill, following an altercation with some men on Halifax Street in the area of the Postal Corporation building.

Ells, who sustained a gunshot wound to his right cheek, died on his way to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Attorney Ronald Marks represents Charles.(KW)