Outcome of PI into baby’s murder rests on star witness testimony

The outcome of a Preliminary Inquiry into the shooting murder of 10-month-old Mozari Lee now rests on the testimony of Belmont resident Monty Hillocks.

On Friday, October 7, 2016, Hillocks escaped unhurt when a gunman fired at him and missed, instead hitting Mozari and his parents Mozart Lee and Shelly-Ann Durham.

Two men, Richard “Shrek” McFee and Martin “Jahson” James were later charged with Mozari’s murder and the attempted murder of his parents and were remanded into custody ever since.

After much delay, the PI began on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 when eight persons testified, including Lee and Durham, police officers and registered medical practitioners.

As the PI came to an end, after running all day, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche asked for yet another adjournment, after explaining to the court that Hillocks should be served to come to court.

James’ lawyer Grant Connell almost immediately objected to Delpesche’s request, stating that Hillocks is no stranger to the Serious Offences Court and the prosecution had sufficient time to stop him and serve him in this matter.

Hillocks was arrested and charged last December with having a 9mm semiautomatic Glock pistol and 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition without a licence. However, on March 27, 2017 he was freed of both charges.

On Wednesday, Connell said Hillocks is an “accused now turned star witness” and pointed out that if the case is adjourned, the accused men would return to prison.

“Now we want adjournment because we can’t find star witness… Monty Hillocks must be a very important man,” he commented.

Lawyer Israel Bruce, who represents McFee, agreed with Connell’s objection.

In response, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne Matthias said the investigator is present and she prefers to call the witnesses now, rather than give an adjournment.

However, Delpesche said he never called Hillocks a star witness and simply wants an opportunity to get the Belmont resident on the stand and if he is successful, he might not need the investigator’s evidence.

Delpesche said a summons was sent, but Hillocks was not served.

Connell rebutted stating that he called Hillocks a star witness because the case needs something from above to shine on the case to give it any merit.

He further argued that the prosecution asked for time so that they may have forensic results, but they have still not been presented to the court.

The Chief Magistrate then expressed her disappointment stating that the prosecution only informed the court of a doctor who is supposed to testify being out of state “now out of the blue Monty Hillocks is needed.”

“I am not pleased at all with the gymnastics by the prosecution.” she said.

Delpesche said he is not a gymnast and explained that he took instructions from the police and if he had known Hillocks was needed he would have said at the beginning.

All parties would return to court on Tuesday April 25, 2017. (AS)