Two charged in relation to largest mass shooting incident in SVG

Two men have been charged with the murder of Gregory “Woody” Abraham, who died two days after he was shot in what is, to date, the largest mass shooting incident in Vincentian history.

Alaskie “Beaver” Samuel and Obandelle “Bandell” Neverson appeared before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged jointly that on October 14, at Diamond, with malice aforethought, they caused the death of Abraham.

Abraham, 33, also known as Pecker, was shot in the left side of his stomach at around 9 p.m. at the Road Side Bar in Diamond. He was one of eight persons wounded when gunmen opened fire at the popular establishment, which opened only two months ago.

In addition to the charge of murder, Samuel, a 32-year-old mechanic of Redemption Sharpes, and Neverson, were also jointly charged with the attempted murder of 10 other people.

They were charged that on October 14 at Diamond, they, with intent to murder, committed an act more than preparatory to the attempted murder of Oslyn Thomas, 46, unemployed of Diamond; Kerwin John, 52, mason of Diamond; Fitzroy Irish, 59, farmer of Diamond; Andrew Layne, 37, labourer of Diamond; Michael Richards, 18, conductor of Choppins; Kharima Benjamin, 25, labourer of Diamond; Kimani Richards, 39, mechanic of Diamond; Kenneth Barzie, 44, labourer of Diamond; Enos Thomas, 30, labourer of Diamond; and Ricardo McFee, 30, labourer of Villa.

Samuel and Neverson were not required to plead to the charges, as they are indictable. Since they have been charged with murder, the issue of bail did not arise.

Magistrate Bertie Pompey remanded the accused in custody until November 6, when they will appear before the Serious Offences Court for a preliminary inquiry into their matters.

Both accused were represented by lawyer Ashelle Morgan.

On October 20, McFee, one of the men who it is alleged that Samuel and Neverson attempted to murder at Diamond, appeared before the Serious Offences Court, charged with the October 15 attempted murder of Jawanza Fraser, 38, a farmer of Paul’s Avenue.

Fraser was shot six times.

During his court appearance, McFee referred to the shooting at Diamond and told the court that the men who shot up the shop had come to kill him.

Law enforcement sources say they are working on the theory that Fraser’s shooting was retaliation for the mass shooting at Diamond.

Two other men, Jomorni “Small Man” Tash of Murray’s Village and Collin “Cocoa” David of Villa are also charged with the attempted murder of Fraser and for having in their possession a firearm during the commission of the act.