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Hazell to challenge DNA report linking him to CIBC shooting

- to undergo surgery to allegedly remove a lodged bullet in his upper back/neck
Matthew Darrel Hazell, charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, today April 24, 2015 appeared in the Magistrates Court where he is to now return on May 4, 2015 for reporting and bail application. Photo: VINO/File
Hazell has denied the charges against him, saying that he was caught in the crossfire. Photo: Facebook
Hazell has denied the charges against him, saying that he was caught in the crossfire. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Matthew Darrel Hazell, charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, is to challenge the DNA report allegedly linking him to the shooting and attempted robbery in the vicinity of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank on February 16, 2015.

Hazell made an appearance in the Magistrate's Court today April 24, 2015 and is to now return on May 4, 2015 for reporting and bail application.

Attorney at Law Valerie Stephens-Gordon appeared for the defendant and told the court that the ballistics report for the alleged shooting has not yet been made available. In his February 26, 2015 court appearance he had proclaimed his innocence saying that he had been caught in a crossfire.

Mrs Stephens-Gordon had told the court in February that her client was proceeding to the said bank on the night of February 16, 2015 to make a withdrawal at the ATM machine. Shortly after disembarking his car he heard gunshots ringing out and he was caught in the midst of it, consequently being wounded.

She told the court then that there were others in the area at the time and like her client, they all ran for shelter. She said that her client has advised that it was in the process of running from the sounds of gunshot that he felt himself being shot but had kept on running.

Prosecution's case

Prosecutor Chantel Flax-Ward, in laying out the allegations, had said a police officer had collected the day’s proceeds from One Mart Supa Store on the night in question.

According to her, the officer proceeded to the said bank to make the deposit and it was after he had opened the night deposit box and returned to his vehicle to collect the money package/s that he was allegedly confronted by a lone, movie style masked man brandishing a gun.

It is alleged that the person wearing a scary mask pointed a gun to the police officer’s head and demanded money. The gunman reported fired a shot which the cop managed to dodge.

As the masked gunman demanded money the officer allegedly asked him what money he was asking about and a second shot was allegedly fired by the gunman. It was at that time that the police officer told the would-be bandit that the money was in the car which he then proceeded to search but came up empty handed.

He re-approached the cop again but by this time the officer had armed himself with his legal firearm and started to discharge shots and the would-be bandit ran off with the cop in hot pursuit.

According to the prosecution, it was in the vicinity of the Palm Grove building that the gunman allegedly shot again at the police officer who returned fire, resulting in the accused falling to the ground at which time he took off his mask.

The bandit, allegedly still with his gun in hand, got up and started running again and in a lit area he turned around and shot at the police again and it was then his identity was allegedly recognised by the police officer.

The accused managed to outrun the police officer who subsequently made a report of the incident. Following processing at the scene by experts, a revolver handgun was allegedly found, along with a mask and several empty cartridges and live rounds.

Hazell was allegedly discovered at Peebles Hospital that very night and at the time when questioned by police officers, he reportedly did not reply.

After being discharged from hospital on February 24, 2015 he was taken to the Road Town Police Station and interviewed.

Surgery required

According to Stephens-Gordon today, Hazell has a medical condition which requires surgery. It is this news site’s understanding that Hazell still has a bullet allegedly lodged in his upper back/neck area.

“We are in the process of gathering medical data to [put forward] in support of a bail application,” said Stephens-Gordon.

Challenge to DNA report

“We are going to challenge the DNA report that the Crown has put forward, that’s the only thing that ties Hazel to this case,” stated Stephens-Gordon.

According to the attorney at law, her client wants to select his own doctor to perform the required surgery, which she said will be so delicate that it could cause him to become paralysed if it goes wrong. She stressed that they are not opting to do the surgery overseas, but locally utilising a doctor of their choosing.

Hazell was remanded into custody and is to return to court on May 4, 2015.

19 Responses to “Hazell to challenge DNA report linking him to CIBC shooting”

  • Yes (24/04/2015, 18:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hummmmmm
  • SwoG (24/04/2015, 18:59) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    That’s a good defense yall
    • THINK! (25/04/2015, 08:44) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply

      Think about it...thats the ONLY possible defence....think about it again...why did he not go to the hospital and report to the police immediately if innocent? It took him 2 hours before he realised he had been shot?

      • Think ? (27/04/2015, 09:33) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        Strainer; wheel and come again. PERSONAL thoughts of what SELF would have done is a "no-no" for jurors. Whatever physical evidence that is put forth in the case are the only grounds that can be used for a verdict.
  • wize up (24/04/2015, 22:30) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply

    who is investigation this matter; anywhere else in the world; police involved shootings are investigated...was this police executing lawful duty? Was the young man shot with a police issued firearms or the off-duty officer personal firearms... a shooting was done and the shooting incident must be investigated......

    • Do you think? (25/04/2015, 02:18) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply

      Wize Up, your comment is noted. The RVIPF is not going to admit that they have an extremely major problem on their hand. If it is taken lightly there will be a cover up but I know VSG is on her game. Get that independent dr., collect that bullet have it tested independently and it may take you to a government issued weapon.

      • ImanI (25/04/2015, 08:38) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply

        Base on the few comments, it will appear to me that you guys are of the belief that the alleged robber is in the right here. Seems like all the investigations should surround the police and not the robber. Whether it was his personal firearm or a police issue, he allegedly came under fire and had a duty to protect himself. Well from what I read, it seems like he was allegedly properly identified by the COP when he took off his mask in the well lighted area of the Palm Grove. Wize up, during your investigations, you should also investigate why the jeep he allegedly drove himself in to the hospital reportedy disappeared from the parking lot and was found weeks after hidden in a bushy area in east end with the driver seat out. VSG have a duty to defend but I can tell you for sure, she have a task on her hand with this one.

    • Outlaw (25/04/2015, 08:26) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      You can appoint yourself the investigator and start your investigation
    • @wize up (25/04/2015, 09:51) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply

      U just dumb boy...som1 allegedly threaten a police officer's life with a firearm-officer allegedly defends himself and u here debating the source of the gun the officer used to defend himself!?...

      • wize up (25/04/2015, 12:23) Like (2) Dislike (6) Reply
        you are an @&& but I can't blame you(mother/father) it is standard procedure to investigating matter: FYI( so we can get the facts)...police are know to tell lies( don't you look at CNN)...we just cant take this man version of an incident simply because he works for the police).... If it was your child you will want the full facts...I trust the police don't shooting no one in your family....
        • @wize up (26/04/2015, 23:07) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          The Outlaw instructed you to appoint yourself the investigator and start your investigation...
          Ur boy has a lot of questions to answer_and so far his corner looks dark-he is going to need all the help he can get, so instead of here cussing my parents I suggest u break out the Sherlock Holmes attire and get to investigating.

          Good Luck

  • wize up (25/04/2015, 07:54) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply

    just a point of information: I am not condoning the alleged behaviour of the accused: but in democratic society such as my country this matter need to be investigated.. We can not have or we as the citizens of the BVI can simply allow persons to go around allegedly shooting others without any investigation. Being a member of the police force does not give a person the right to discharge a firearm and in so doing cause harm and injury then allegedly simply sweep such an incident under the rug...talk that!!! ...in other party of the world this member of the police would have sent on leave and the people of that country would have been informed about an investigation.... this guys allegedly shoots someone in our country while working a private job and maybe allegedly shot the person with the government issued gun!!!!!!

  • Much ado about nothing (25/04/2015, 08:50) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    He does not need bail to go see a doctor. The police can escort him IN HANDCUFFS to a doctor of his choice, whether here or overseas.
  • apple (25/04/2015, 11:03) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Folks I have seen accuse being set free for crimes committed simply because the police or investigating team did not have sufficient evidence. Well let’s go back to OJ Simpson… I am simple making the point that the alleged accused has his defence, that he was caught in a cross-fire while making an attempt to use the ATM… However, on this it is the defence to come up with evidence on the matter. To me, the defence do not have a good case and they will have to come up with more evidence. How far away the accuse were when he remove the mask is another issue pertaining the mental condition of the police at the time… was he certain for sure it was the accuse even after he was in a state of shock, fright of even shaken by the ordeal… well, we all will hear the outcome and I anticipate the accuse will be off the hook. (Case dismiss you are free to go) I bet on that!
    You don’t have to hate my comment but give a sensible comment as to why you believe he will be found guilty.
    • In a me pants (25/04/2015, 12:09) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      @apple. Well you forgot a very important aspect. Just send the mask to DNA lab and see whose DNA is found on it. Case close.
  • JON (25/04/2015, 17:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    This case been a wrap from the time the idiot say he park by First Bank to use the ATM by FCIB.

  • Thinking (26/04/2015, 00:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    something don't sound right.
  • wow (26/04/2015, 07:58) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    If he is guilty it makes no sense to challenge the DNA link! They have the mask! He would just be wasting the courts time if it tunrs out that his DNA was found on it!!
  • mary j (26/04/2015, 19:45) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Yeah, Mr Hazel...we know that you are as innocent as a new born babe


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