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“Problems now start” - Simmonds & Edwards threaten relatives of Melbourne Francis

-Police & Prison Officers had uphill task containing the duo
Rodney Simmonds Jr points gun fingers at relatives of Cornel Melbourne Francis as he hurled threats at them. Photo: VINO
Yan Edwards raised middle finger was the first sign that he was not his usual self as he emerged from the stairwell of the High Court yesterday afternoon October 28, 2013. Photo: VINO
Yan Edwards raised middle finger was the first sign that he was not his usual self as he emerged from the stairwell of the High Court yesterday afternoon October 28, 2013. Photo: VINO
Yan Edwards and Rodney Simmonds Jr resisting police and prison offers as they attempted to place them in the prison van. Photo: VINO
Yan Edwards and Rodney Simmonds Jr resisting police and prison offers as they attempted to place them in the prison van. Photo: VINO
Second and third from left, the mother and sister of Yan Edwards tried to assist Police and Prison Officers to calm the two angry men. Photo: VINO
Second and third from left, the mother and sister of Yan Edwards tried to assist Police and Prison Officers to calm the two angry men. Photo: VINO
Prison and Police Officers finally managed to force Yan Edwards and Rodney Simmonds into the prison van where they continued their angry display. Photo: VINO
Prison and Police Officers finally managed to force Yan Edwards and Rodney Simmonds into the prison van where they continued their angry display. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Pandemonium broke out in the compound of the High Court yesterday afternoon, October 28, 2013 as prison officers attempted to escort Rodney Simmonds Jr and Yan Edwards back to HM Prison in Balsam Ghut amidst strong decorative languages and threats hurled at relatives of the now deceased Cornel Melbourne Francis.

This took place sometime after 4 P.M. shortly after a High Court jury found both Edwards and Simmonds Jr guilty of conspiring to murder Francis on March 13, 2011.

“Problems now start you mudda (indecent language), yall set me mudda (indecent language) up, yall gon pay,” shouted Edwards as he walked towards the prison van with his hands bound in front of him by hand-cuffs.

It was obvious that Edwards was not his usual self when he came down the stairs of the High Court with two fingers in the air pointing in the direction of reporters taking photographs. “Suck this,” he said.

Relatives of Francis aka trouble were a short distance off when the unexpected behaviour escalated. “Yall set me up, I gon deal with yall, my people will deal with yall. I got me children, look my mother and people coming here every day, I got me family and yall mudda (indecent language) set me up and got me in prison, watch boy you mudda (indecent language),” he continued angrily.

"Ayo (indecent language) going to stay on the road and (indecent language) drop dead. I have people out here watching ayo...I do not even know her child but I tell ayo (indecent language) that the party now start," Simmonds shouted with a lower voice as he was for the most part drowned out by the heavier voice of Edwards.

Pointing his fingers as if it was a gun, Simmonds Jr sent death threats to persons in the crowd, which included students of the Elmore Stoutt High school, police officers, reporters and relatives of ‘Trouble’.

One male relative of ‘Trouble’ retorted and was restrained by police officers on the scene but the retort continued on the frontage of the High Court.

The mother of Edwards, while trying to encourage her son to calm down and go into the prison van, joined in his protest saying, “yes they set ayo up, they come by me and tell me so, I know son they set ayo up but they gon pay, don’t worry, go son, go.”

At that stage Edwards got even more infuriated and was only left to climb on the roof of the prison van as he aggressively continued cursing, swearing and belching out treats. “Mom you go home. I gon be ok but deh mudda ((indecent language) gon pay, ayo mudda ((indecent language).”

Officers managed to contain the men after approximately fifteen minutes of public display. Edwards and Simmonds Jr went to the rear of the bus and continued their aggression. At one point Edwards cautioned two female reporters who were nearby that their treats were not directed at them. “Yall got ayo work to do, we know that right, but put in the papers what we said, we like yall, we aint got no trouble with yall right,” said Edwards.

The angry outburst took everyone by surprise as it was very unusual of the two who seldom spoke upon entering or leaving the court. “That surprise me, they don’t be like that, something went down because those boys don’t be like that. They know what’s up and they does chill and go their way,” said a police officer who was on the scene at the time.

It may appear that law enforcement officers had upped their presence at the High Court recently following a daring attempt by one prisoner to attack a female reporter, who was among several others taking photographs, some weeks back.

The two will be back before High Court Judge Vicki Ann Ellis on November 15, 2013 when she is expected to pass sentence on the two. While Edwards is currently serving life without possible parole for the murder of Keri Harrigan, Simmonds Jr has been incarcerated for over two and a half years awaiting trial.

Simmonds Jr is not likely to spend more than fourteen years behind bars which is the maximum sentence for the charge of conspiracy to murder, according to the laws of the Virgin Islands.

Senior Crown Council Valston Graham and Principal Crown Counsel Leslie Ann Faulkner presented the case on behalf of the Crown. Simmonds Jr. was represented by Dr. JS Archibald, QC and Edwards by Attorney at Law Mr Stephen Daniels.

58 Responses to ““Problems now start” - Simmonds & Edwards threaten relatives of Melbourne Francis”

  • rude bwoy (29/10/2013, 08:23) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Either prison or cemetry...That's where all badman end up you see.
    • Observer (29/10/2013, 17:54) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      Al pacino and Gotti your days are numbered did you not see the movie .
  • bamsee (29/10/2013, 08:26) Like (3) Dislike (23) Reply
    Simmonds looks like a shotta in that top photo.
    • the rock (29/10/2013, 08:42) Like (18) Dislike (4) Reply
      those guys are punks..if hey were really badman they would of start up inside the court house..punks wanna be..and for all those treats..the judge is going to lay the smack down on them when she see's them next!
      • police officer west end (29/10/2013, 09:39) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
        A taser would have calmed them down so I now support it
        • Real (30/10/2013, 08:50) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply

          u talking bout tasing people but trust me it got hotter $h!t than a taser hope you could bare yours when your turn come , someone show up on your door step talk tha .

      • Real (29/10/2013, 16:29) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
        the rock you is the punk
        • Gen (29/10/2013, 19:40) Like (15) Dislike (5) Reply

          @ Real, you and your PUNK ASS friends need to shut the HELL UP!!! ! Can't wait until I hear they got theirs in HMP. PUNKS like them always end up d*ad.

          • Real (31/10/2013, 12:06) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
            to GEn you talking bout them but we might hear you get yours first you mite make front page so dont wish no bad for no one
      • Marie (30/10/2013, 21:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        Can't wait and I hope the court is ready to handle their outbursts with 2 sticks upside their heads and stun guns on their behinds.
  • cay (29/10/2013, 08:38) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    well saw
  • weed (29/10/2013, 08:54) Like (30) Dislike (3) Reply
    send dem to england fast
  • Janet Williams (29/10/2013, 09:13) Like (11) Dislike (4) Reply
    just pure talk they not going to do a damm thing...i told you so
    • @ janet williams (29/10/2013, 10:06) Like (4) Dislike (14) Reply
      These man REAL .
    • Check this (29/10/2013, 17:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Let's say he ain kno bad man but dude dead just think on who called that shot
    • kani (29/10/2013, 17:55) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      So you want them to carry out their threats? You are not a model citizen. Your remarks are designed to infuriate violence. God help you.
  • rattie (29/10/2013, 09:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    now now now guys tis behaviour surely doesn't help when it comes to sentencing....just relax
  • prison officers (29/10/2013, 09:32) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    dem prison officers jokey and like the drama. they were not making a bit of effort to get them in the van.

    • I support the Officers (29/10/2013, 11:35) Like (5) Dislike (9) Reply
      them officers was in the court house and see what BS the jury did
  • Vinny (29/10/2013, 09:36) Like (47) Dislike (2) Reply

    Hear his own mother supporting him with this bulls$%%. What else can we expect from these wannabees with nobody to guide them. Yan was a fireman and Rod had family who gave him what he wanted but no that wasn't enough. They had to be shottas. I wonder if they watch these movies to the end and realize they never have a happy ending. NEVERRR. fools.

  • Inmate Confession (29/10/2013, 09:36) Like (16) Dislike (8) Reply

    I goin deal with them bum when them come up, what them goin on like rude boy down the court for I goin deal with them bum bum especially L*** R*D............hmmmm

  • Just saying (29/10/2013, 09:42) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    What I don't understand is why would they throw threats at the victim's family. All the familly wants is closure.
  • Really (29/10/2013, 09:50) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why Edwards making all that noise this case in nothing compared to the life sentence, without the possibility of parole he is serving for another crime. This 14 year max he might get is just a mid-night snack.
  • Binocs (29/10/2013, 10:05) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    It is sad to see these young people acting in this manner. No pride for themselves and their family. What a shame that they walk out of a court house and act this way and say the things they say to Francis Family think some how in there small brain that it was ok. You have been convicted of a serious crime and they must stop and think of the role that they all have played in these events . Why are they handcuff in front as if they are not murders? If they were handcuff like real murders they would have had the chance to make signs to anyone . Police do you job and take it serious. People of the BVI be aware of who you area around and what evil is running among us.
  • Pondering (29/10/2013, 10:13) Like (32) Dislike (4) Reply
    Why is Edwards' mother defending his crap! Then we wonder why children turn out to be the way they are. I hear some parents say to their child as babies as if it's a joke "you too rude, yes, you too rude" when they can't even speak and are only trying to express some want or need. Speak LIFE people, speak positivity into your children's lives and train them up in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Stop forcing them to be adults, calling them sexy, diva, etc., having them wear these adult-like clothing. It all starts from young.
  • long look me come from (29/10/2013, 10:15) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    Edwards your mother join in with you that they set ayo up. Thats bad. You have children and family but you threatening trouble family. They better get both of you all out of here quick. You all want to play bad thats what bad man gets. You did the crime stop crying and cursing cause that aint going to help just do the time. Life for edwards already for the murder of kerry now the full maxinum for both of them 14 years.
    • Long i from to (29/10/2013, 11:45) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
      Trouble Brother was sending threats before the verdict come out saying it going be problem in the yard if he ain't hear what he want to hear. you talking like you was there when the crime happen.

      set of long look punks.
  • RIGO (29/10/2013, 11:38) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    Look at these 2 fools.
    • mother hen (29/10/2013, 12:37) Like (3) Dislike (11) Reply
      Lord this country have haters ma boy why you call the people children fools?
  • Jacintha (29/10/2013, 12:32) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why can't Edwards handle it now, all the while he was planning to kill trouble did he forget trouble had a family to.. You did your crime now do your time.. Best a you sending treats. Thought you would kill and you just get away with it.. As for your mother she need to open her eyes.
  • DAMMM (29/10/2013, 14:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

    ... but who killed trouble???? Seen Yan and trouble played Rockers ball together this shouldn't of ever happen united we stand divided we fall. RIP Trouble RIP HONK

  • Ting To Tawk (29/10/2013, 14:10) Like (20) Dislike (3) Reply

    All of this over money what wasn't even theres....why wasn't the da****er questioned? and she was employeed there at the time? I guess its really who you for! TING TO TAWK

    • Blog (30/10/2013, 11:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply

      Cause nobody trying to ruin the young girl life. You don't think the crown knew this? They decided that they had enough already to convict and didn't need to drag her into it.

  • Really??!! (29/10/2013, 15:17) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    It just goes to show that when things don't go their way, that violence is the answer for them. Even if you were willing to believe that they were innocent, with that kind of outburst and in the presence of police. It makes you believe that they are guilty of what they were found guilty of. They are right where they need to be, next time put the handcuff on behind their backs to add another measure of control, let them keep their obscene hand gestures to themselves.
  • worry (29/10/2013, 15:23) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    not to worry they will clam down soon
  • hope hill (29/10/2013, 15:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope he does not try and hurt the jurors
  • Peng (29/10/2013, 16:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    @hope hill....hurt the Jurors.....ayo going see ting. tink Justice Ellis playing!!! come sentencing we going see!!!
    They pretty much making it more difficult for themselves, cause if another of the victim's family is killed duhhhhh they made a threat so guess what it was a public threat they back in the courtroom...stiffer sentence..
    • hello (30/10/2013, 06:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      They won't need no stiffer sentence then... we want a public viewing. bring back the death penalty for that one time. there must be an exception to the rule. it had so called bad man in here bigger than them who also knew when to cool out, but these lil boys calling shots from a prison? Lock down separately, no phone, fresh air with handcuff on for 1 hour, threat them like how they carried on after that verdict. those were the true colors.
  • Problem in Tortola (29/10/2013, 16:57) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply

    Why in Tortola they are cuffing people with their hands in front of them ? Mr Foot please make some serious changes . Cuff them behind their back, put them in orange jumpsuits prison uniform, have them go out and cut the bushes and clean the the road. Please crack the whip and crack it very hard. Look at what happen outside the court house yesterday disgraceful. And please let them know your prison is a prison and not a hotel.

  • THINK! (29/10/2013, 19:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why are people allowed to be so close? School children! What if more happened, many could have been hurt.
  • this place (29/10/2013, 22:08) Like (7) Dislike (13) Reply
    Yall done judge d man them ... Aint even see that there was no evidence to convicted these guys yall just blind to that fact and thats so sad the immaturity and hatred we have on this little island . Who say the family aint thteatened these two guys first or even said hurtful things come on now where all humans put yourself in there shoes for a min. Why yall like to celebrate when someone goes to jail?JusWould u like that for youself jus trying to educate the small minded people we have on ghis island
  • no new fren no no no... (29/10/2013, 22:19) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    No evidence and still they find these guys guilty with pure lies from the corrupted police force who cares nothing about us locals cause they not from here just collecting or money then building there big house back home. Then is locals suffer cause all we doing is loving when wa fall jail or make the news which is wrong open up ur eyes tortola lets unite and stand for justice look at what is going on in our country outsiders is the cause of the counties downfall they locking up our brothers n sisters. With no justice pure injustice a gwan plz... Let us stop being so hateful m try to make it a better place.
  • The TRUTH (29/10/2013, 23:05) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply

    check that boy th!r***n that va********l boy that is the one they paid to kill trouble and dont forget to check the one in the yellow ch*vy he knows every thing dont leave it to burn the lord dont sleep check his phone records and see who called him minutes before the shooting this is from the hoses mouthgo and get them those are the guys who did this

  • 2 cents (30/10/2013, 13:26) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    we don't value ourselves or anything we have until someone else wants it - slave mentality!
  • Eagle Eye (30/10/2013, 15:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    they lucky Red Head gone
  • plans (30/10/2013, 21:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not suprised here with there out burst
  • Abby (30/10/2013, 21:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ Real, YOU THE REAL PUNK......PUNK
  • hellboy (01/11/2013, 21:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    come on lets make peace
  • Panta06 (02/11/2013, 23:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    God you see where we are going
    for our sakes I make this plea
    for the seeds some are sowing
    destroys peace and unity
    and it's showing, it is growing
  • Lucky (04/11/2013, 10:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am still in shock! I hear the stories and see what all of you are saying, but I just can't believe Yan did all of this. My sympathy to the families affected by all this madness, but I wonder often is he really the front man? Or is something else going on that we are missing.
  • Daughter (04/11/2013, 17:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    u all setup melbourn too
  • wow (06/11/2013, 17:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everybody commenting like they "know" the story! I'm pretty sure none of y'all never buss nun, kill nun, punk nobody in alyo life. Just a Set a words behind a fake name! Meen on nobody side but it amazes me how everybody could act so tough with out a face.


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