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UPDATE: Judge rebukes murder accused for allegedly speaking to juror

[L-R] Baptiste, Edwards and Simmonds Jnr after their court appearance on Monday October 15, 2012. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - High Court Judge Albert Redhead has rebuked the alleged communication with a juror in the Keri Harrigan murder trial by one of the accused.

Prior to the commencement of the session at the High Court this morning, February 20, 2013, Justice Redhead spoke sternly to murder accused Allan Battiste and Yan Edwards on hearing that one of them had attempted to communicate with one of the jurors. Justice Redhead said that it was brought to his attention that one of the accused had told a juror that he could have objected to his/her being on the panel because they went to the same school and that he hopes the juror makes a judgement favourable to him.

The Judge admonished the prison officers to perform their duties of ensuring that none of the accused come into contact with any member of the jury body. 

However, Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham advised that alternative arrangements be made to prevent the accused and the jurors using the same passage way. Justice Redhead agreed to the suggestion.

Yan Edwards and Allen Baptiste are charged in connection with the murder of Keri Harrigan on March 16, 2011 in the vicinity of Long Look clinic on March 16, 2011, while Rodney Simmonds Jr. and Edwards are charged with conspiracy to murder. The latter charge is in connection with the shooting of Melborne Francis at Nottingham Estate on March 13, 2011. 

Following the opening statement in the trial of the case by Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham, the first witness, Police Constable stationed at the Cane Garden Bay Police Station on General Duties Mr. Dorsey Tittle, took to the stand. His evidence this morning spoke of what he had seen and done after arriving at the scene of the murder on that faithful day.

A number of items were accepted into evidence some of which included electronic photographs taken on the murder scene. 

Senior Crown Counsel Ms Christlyn Benjamin and the lawyers representing the two murder accused all crossed examined the witness.

See previous article posted on February 19, 2013

Harrigan murder trial to be done separately

- Attempted murder trial to follow immediately 

High Court Judge Albert Redhead this afternoon February 19, 2013 passed a ruling in the favour of the defence following an application by the Attorney at Law for murder accused Allan Baptiste, to have the charge of murder and attempted murder be tried separately.

Lawyer Patrick Thompson and Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham had both earlier presented strong arguments before recess.

The learned judge announced his decision when the court session resumed shortly after 2 P.M. The defence and prosecution have both accepted that they will proceed with the murder trial first.

Attorney at Law Dr. J.S. Archibald, QC informed the court that he is likely to make a bail application for his client Rodney Simmonds Jr. who is before the high court for allegedly conspiring to a murder. This will be based on the length of time the murder trial is likely to last.

Mr Graham had indicated that he anticipates the trial will last at least one week and if necessary no longer than two weeks. He had also indicated that he intends to have the second matter tried immediately following the completion of the murder trial.

Attorney at law Mr Stephen Dainels informed the court that it would be challenging for him if the two matters are run successively.

The matter was adjourned until tomorrow, February 20, 2013.

This morning the jurors body selected and sworn in, paving the way for the commencement of the trial of the murder of Keri Harrigan and the shooting of Melbourne Francis.

To stand trail in this matter are accused Allan Baptiste, who is being represented by Attorney at Law Patrick Thompson, Yan Edwards represented by Attorney at Law Stephen Daniels and Rodney Simmond Jr. Being represented by Attorney at Law Dr. JS Archibald, QC.

Yan Edwards and Allen Baptiste are charged in connection with the murder of Keri Harrigan on March 13 2011 at Nottingham Estate , while Rodney Simmonds Jr. and Edwards are charged with conspiracy to murder and is in relation to the shooting of Melbourne Francis near Long Look clinic on March 16 2011 .

See previous story posted October 17, 2012:

Harrigan murder trial update: Jury discharged again!

- Matter shifted to February assizes

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In a sudden twist to the Keri Harrigan murder trial, the panel of jurors was discharged for the second time this week today October 17, 2012 after it was alleged that the jury was compromised.

The trial was slated to start since Monday October 15, 2012 but was delayed since the panel of jurors was discharged.

The High Court did not give details as to why the jury was discharged the first time but revealed today that it was found that one of the jurors was allegedly suspected to be closely related to the case.

The matter has now been shifted to the February assizes.

Yan Edwards, Simmonds Jr are faced with the charge of conspiracy to murder Francis which occurred on March 13, 2011 at Nottingham Estate, while Edwards and Allen Baptiste are faced with the charge of murder in the death of Keri Harrigan, in the area of the Long Look on March 16, 2011. The trio have pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought before them. Simmonds Jr. is represented by Attorney-at-law Corrine George, Edwards by Stephen Daniels and Baptiste by Patrick Thompson while  Senior Crown Counsels Valston Graham and Christlyn Benjamin lead the prosecution of the case.

Earlier today, Detective Constable Michel Etienne, was called as the prosecution’s first witness in the trial for the murder of Keri Harrigan.

Etienne, who is attached to the Road Town Police Station, described what transpired when he visited the scene of ‘gunshot fire’ along the Nottingham Estate Public Road in East End on March 13, 2011 at about 11 P.M.

Constable Etienne disclosed that upon arrival at the scene he spoke with a Sgt. Vanterpool and a police constable before examining an area in the upper and lower barriers of the area. He further disclosed that he conducted a forensic search in the area that was pointed out to him. He said he noticed one live round (7.62x39) of ammunition in the centre of the road. He also noticed an additional three 7.62x39 shell on the right hand side of the road facing Fat Hogs Bay.

Etienne related that he used photographic letters to mark the spent shells and live round before taking photographs and recording the measurements of same.

It was after marking this information as evidence that he reportedly proceeded to the East End Police Station where he was directed to a white Mitsubishi Lancer car with registration # PT43.

The fifteen-year veteran of the police force related that he examined the vehicle and noticed the left driver door, rear passenger door, front windshield had two holes; while the left rear panel had what appeared to be bullet holes.

Further, he also noticed the rear windshield was broken, a bullet hole in the left driver seat head rest, and what appeared to be blood on the left driver door panel on the steering wheel. He then had the vehicle towed to the Road Town Police station and covered same with protective covering

Detective Etienne further gave evidence that he did a reconstruction of the bullet holes in the vehicle and discovered that there were 7 main entries into the car with a combination of twenty-six (26) entry and exit holes. He later made a photographic album of all the evidence that was allegedly discovered.

Defence attorney, Stephen Daniels asked about a determination of the measurement of the shells recovered and also whether he could distinguish between entry and exit points in the vehicle.

He was also asked to say what calibre of weapon was used by looking at the entry and exit points of the bullets but indicated that he couldn’t.

The prosecution interjected to state that the witness was not an expert on firearms.

The three men were remanded until their next trial date in the February 2013 assizes.

46 Responses to “UPDATE: Judge rebukes murder accused for allegedly speaking to juror”

  • qc (15/10/2012, 20:55) Like (1) Dislike (32) Reply
    not sure if our boys will get a fair trial and justice will be served.
    • cruise (18/10/2012, 10:18) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      You and your boys need to be put through saws then fed to the sharks.
  • red meat (15/10/2012, 21:01) Like (0) Dislike (7) Reply
    this little dude look to soft to be accused of murder
    • sadness for all (17/10/2012, 23:06) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      i trust that both of the families say strong as this is a sad time for both families
    • Disgusted (20/02/2013, 16:16) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
      This same little dude will put a bullet in your *** and think nothing of it!
  • Whoi (15/10/2012, 21:17) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Boy ya'll got FAT ballo is the place to be
  • yes (16/10/2012, 08:00) Like (1) Dislike (26) Reply
    They will get off. If not in court, in appeal say i say so..
  • hmmm (16/10/2012, 11:41) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    How old is Baptiste to be caught up with something like this? He should be a role model for these young men to better their lifes. What a shame!
    • facts man (17/10/2012, 16:02) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      we need some more mature jurors that is the issue
      • Hmmm. (17/10/2012, 18:45) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
        "Mature Jurors" and "Tortola"? I think thats an oxymoron.....
        • Tootie (17/10/2012, 21:46) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
          Guess you speaking for yourself
          • Hmmm. (18/10/2012, 04:58) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
            To: "Tootie" It's amazing that you would post trying to smart and highlight how much of a dumb @$$ you really are because you don't know the meaning of a word...ROTFLMAFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • say what (20/02/2013, 21:25) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      If u only know about this Baptiste dude u talking bout u gonna hold ur head trust wa i tell u.
  • vex (16/10/2012, 12:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    dem man sharp dem wearing jackets and ties
  • village girl (16/10/2012, 16:48) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    deeds yutes need prayer yall
    • pope (17/10/2012, 16:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      The jury pool is just too small here, every body is family or friend of someon!!! we got to bring them from JVD and salt island
      • Jack be still (17/10/2012, 19:32) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        maybe they should abolish trial by jury all together what do you think?
        • say again (17/10/2012, 23:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          I'm being a bit naive and missing something why would we do that Jack be still?
  • Village Girl (17/10/2012, 15:56) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    well sah me wonder how this will turn out???? something wrong here.
  • rex feral (17/10/2012, 16:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He was also asked to say what calibre of weapon was used by looking at the entry and exit points of the bullets but indicated that he couldn’t.

    okDanny. you trying to place doubt with your line of impossible to answer questions.
  • The Real Judge (17/10/2012, 22:45) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    It baffles me to know that a juror could have been panelled who was close to the case. This songs like incompetence some where. I don't believe that any witness name should be mension by any media. This is a murder case and people could be targeted. This should be refrain from. What happens in larger country could always happen here also. I wish to see the day that jurors would be put in a hotel for the time until the case that they are involved in is over. They wouldint be able to watch television or listen to any radio. This would prevent bribes and intimidation.
  • Cruize (18/10/2012, 10:15) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    Incompetent person who made the list and this is not the first, incompetence on not having all the potential jurors vetted, incompetent at the DPP office not to have this and prior matters looked into, incompetence that they have not preferred charges against this B%^%^& who knowingly took up seat as a juror after being told that any family/relative to excuse themselves or let it be known why you cannot serve on the panel said NOTHING. There is a fix for these sorts and that is to bring down the full weight of the LAW upon their heads. If this is allowed to slide for whatever reason victims who seek justice should not expect it in this present system. What eeks me out is that these seem minor as those running the country has not address these matter.

  • flag man (19/02/2013, 15:17) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well there finally at the the starting gates we going see who going break on top and finish this race and who going cry lard oil. (Who dont hear will feel.)
  • say so (19/02/2013, 19:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    walkin daed......
  • @@@@@ (20/02/2013, 12:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The insanity is growing.
  • .....???? (20/02/2013, 15:02) Like (1) Dislike (75) Reply

    I love you, Yan. Keep your head up baby.

    • each his own (20/02/2013, 15:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Would anyone in their right mind do what these kids do?
    • That is not Ro (20/02/2013, 16:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Could the immature person who is writing these foolish comments about this young lady please get a life from blogging stupidness she would never write this!!!
    • That is not Ro (20/02/2013, 16:13) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Could the immature person who is writing these foolish comments about this young lady please get a life from blogging stupidness she would never write this!!!
    • jokes (20/02/2013, 16:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      LMFAO....well well WOW!!!!
    • school children (20/02/2013, 16:54) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      This cud only be one person...smh....the skill ah you....HAHAHHAHAHA
    • Serious (20/02/2013, 17:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      You all ppl just need to trying to make confusion in the people's lives and learn to mind you all own back yards.
      Childish Behaviour
  • never that (20/02/2013, 15:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look how the people framing the girl name
  • Tamesha J. (20/02/2013, 16:36) Like (1) Dislike (42) Reply
    Let my people go. Ray and I miss you so much.
    • Now thats real childish (20/02/2013, 18:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ray Charles LOLLLL (all smiles)
    • Serious (20/02/2013, 19:21) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Lord now they have the girl child name in comments blogging falsely.Who ever it is really hate you Tam let them continue Childish like really.
  • nanny cay (20/02/2013, 17:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    dat dude redhead aint no judge to play wid
  • @fake tamesha j (20/02/2013, 18:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My girl u really got some haters they using all your names on your birth paper even targeting your child hmm
  • Funny as hell (21/02/2013, 16:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Blogs are established so that people can express themselves...real or fake!!
  • Funny as hell (21/02/2013, 16:36) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Blogs are established so that people can express themselves...real or fake!!
  • Funny as heaven (21/02/2013, 20:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    jokes ok u have a point ...... thank u for your comment blogger
  • Viper 1 (22/02/2013, 15:34) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hmm. ur using the word in the wrong context kindergarten floosy.


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