Jevon Demming and Sherman Williams (with dreadlocks) were both refused bail when they appeared before the magistrate's court yesterday, October 5, 2012. Photo: VINO

Williams, 32 and his cousin Demming, 23, both of Valley, Virgin Gorda (VG), were charged with the attempted murder of Neil St. Rose following their arrest in connection with the shooting incident that took place outside of Rock Café in Virgin Gorda on September 30, 2012.

Both men were unrepresented in court.

Crown Counsel Sarah Benjamin related that at about 12:50 A.M. on September 30, 2012, the defendants visited the Rock Café to attend a party which the Virtual Complainant (VC), Neil St. Rose, also attended.

While at the Rock Café, the defendants and the VC reportedly had an argument which was resolved by patrons at the event. However, between 4 A.M. and 5 A.M., the defendants left the dancing area of the Rock Café and went into the yard where the VC allegedly pushed Williams and the two men reportedly began to fight. At some point, Demming allegedly became engaged in a scuffle.

It is alleged that Williams then pulled out a handgun from his waist and pointed it at the VC and shot him. Both defendants then reportedly left the scene.

As a result of the shooting, the VC received wounds to his neck, chest, abdominal area and his private region. Three (3) shots were believed to have been fired.

The VC was reportedly taken to the Iris O’Neal clinic in VG by a male whom he approached in the parking lot.

Police were subsequently summoned to the scene of the shooting and Detective Cooper, who was on duty at the time, was assigned to the matter.

St. Rose was later transferred to the Peebles hospital in Tortola where he received treatment and was later stabilised.

Warrants were then obtained for the arrest of Williams and Demming. Searches were later conducted at both of the defendants’ homes on October 1, 2012 but nothing pertaining to the search warrant was discovered at either home.

After the search, Williams was reportedly informed of the report that was made against him and he made a statement which read, “I was in a fight with that man, but I did not shoot or stab him.”

Demming came to the VG Police Station on October 2, 2012 and was told of the report and cautioned as well. He admitted to being involved in a fight with the VC but claimed he did not shoot the VC. He was subsequently cautioned and charged.

Crown Counsel Benjamin related to the court that the VC remains in hospital. In addition to this, a medical report as well as transcripts and at least two further statements were said to be outstanding.

Bail Denied

Benjamin said that considering the fact that further statements were outstanding from civilians, and after taking account of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, the prosecution objected to the defendants being granted bail.

Demming, in his bail application plea, explained to the magistrate that he had a 5-month old son and would like to be able to assist his girlfriend with the baby.

Williams, after initially saying that he had nothing to say in relation to a bail application had a change of heart, related to the magistrate that he had four (4) young children and had various expenses including court costs. His children, he related, are aged 10 yrs, 9 yrs, 7 yrs and 4 yrs old, respectively.

It was revealed during the bail application by Williams that they were both related through Demming’s father.

Magistrate Richards, after listening to their pleas, indicated that despite their apparently strong ties to the Territory and the fact that this was their first such offence, the seriousness of the offence and the penalty usually applied needed to be taken into consideration.

She then refused bail and told the defendants that they would next appear before the court on November 1, 2012.