The two minors who are charged with murder in connection with the death of another teen at Sion Hill Bay will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before their trials.
The accused, a 12-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy, appeared before Justice Rickie Burnett at the High Court in Kingstown on Tuesday, the first day of the assizes.
They are charged in connection with the death of Matthew Da Souza, 13, whose body was found at Sion Hill Bay on Sept. 30, 2024.
The female accused was represented by lawyer Zita Barnwell, while the male was unrepresented.
They were each accompanied by their respective social worker from the Ministry of National Mobilisation, who stood behind them while they were in the dock.
Initially, the court appointed Jomo Thomas to represent the male accused.
However, Barnwell noted to the court that she and Thomas are from the same chambers, adding that while there are Chinese walls in the chambers and she does not know what the other accused’s defence would be, another lawyer should be assigned to the case.
The court then assigned counsel Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, the next lawyer on the legal aid list, to represent the male defendant.
Meanwhile, Crown Counsel Renee Simmons, asked that the court order a psychiatric report on both defendants.
She said that one was done when the matter was before the magistrate’s court, but there may be a need for an update.
Barnwell agreed with the prosecutor’s request.
The matter was adjourned to Dec. 1.
Meanwhile, several other people were arraigned on various charges during Tuesday’s sitting.
Xavier Corke, of Caratal, and Taly Jackson, of Langley Park, pleaded not guilty to a charge that they murdered 46-year-old Michael Miller, of Stubbs, at Crab Island on July 3, 2023.
Neither of the men had a lawyer in court but said they were making efforts to secure legal representation.
Romano Andrews aka Russian, of Peruvian Vale/Clare Valley, pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in connection with the Sept. 7, 2023, shooting death of Jervany Baptiste, at Buccament.
Andrews told the court he could not afford a lawyer and Stephen Williams was assigned to represent him.
The court granted the Crown’s application that Omari Bramble, 25, of Glen, undergo a psychiatric evaluation before his arraignment.
He is charged that on July 3, 2023, at Richmond Hill, he murdered Darius Williams.
Williams, 23, was working as a conductor on an omnibus that stopped at the Peace Memorial Hall Bus Stop at Richmond Hill, around 5:50 p.m., when he was attacked by an assailant and stabbed with a knife.
The court appointed Jomo Thomas to represent Bramble, who said he could not afford a lawyer.
Cole Oliver, 20, pleaded not guilty to a charge that on July 18, 2023, at Golden Vale, he murdered Kemron Orlonda Roberts.
The court assigned Patina Knights to represent Oliver.
Kesron Wilson, who is charged with kidnapping, assault and indecency, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court allowed his own bail in the sum of EC$5,000 to continue and reduced from five to two the number of days he must report to the Georgetown Police Station.
He is charged that between Nov. 18 and Dec. 22, 2023, at Chester Cottage, he stole and carried away the virtual complainant (VC) without her consent or anyone legally authorised to consent on her behalf.
Wilson is also charged that between those same dates, at Chester Cottage, he assaulted the VC, with intent to commit an offence to wit, wounding.
The third charge was that during the same period, at Chester Cottage, he did commit an act of gross indecency toward the VC, she being a girl under the age of 14.
All of the accused are due back in court on Dec. 1.
I’m wondering who will be conducting the psychiatric evaluations that have been ordered as I understand there is no qualified psychiatrist in the country willing to serve in this capacity. Has the situation changed?
Are they bringing in the specialist since there is no psychiatrist on island????
Yet, money is suddenly available for every election gimmick perceived!! SMH!