Arnos Vale teenager faces two counts of attempted murder

A teenager of Arnos Vale has been remanded to Her Majesty’s Prisons at Fort Charlotte on two counts of attempted murder. Jolene Williams, 19, was not allowed to plead to the charges when she appeared at the Serious Offences Court yesterday.{{more}}

She is charged with the attempted murder of Vernnie Barnum, 89, of Arnos Vale and Barnum’s grandson, Jason Barnum, 26, of the same address.

Williams will be remanded for the next two weeks, pending a medical report on the condition of Vernnie, who, up to press time, was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

It is alleged that Williams and Jason Barnum were in a common-law relationship and on May 4, an argument ensued between them, which later resulted in an altercation. Barnum is the father of Williams’ child.

In objecting to bail, prosecutor Inspector Adolphus Delpesche told the court that the elderly woman is suffering from a blow to the head, allegedly inflicted with a pipe wrench. She also allegedly has severe injuries to her back.

Delpesche reported that Vernnie also has a cracked skull.

In the case of Jason, the prosecutor indicated that he suffered injuries allegedly from a cutlass attack.

According to the prosecutor, Jason has expressed fear for his life. He, however, has been released from the hospital.

Nine witnesses are expected to testify in the matter, which was adjourned to September 12 for hearing. (KW)