Demming at the High Court on May 6, 2014. Photo: VINO

The charges stem from a shooting incident that took place outside of Rock Café in Virgin Gorda on September 30, 2012 where the defendants had visited to attend a party which the Virtual Complainant (VC), Neil St. Rose, also attended.

The trial was listed as a priority matter and is expected to last for one week before Justice Vicki Ann Ellis. Demming is represented by attorney Patrick Thompson while Williams in represented by attorney Stephen Daniels. Williams is currently on remand while Demming is out on bail.

According to the allegations, 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.