The trial of Portland businessman Everton ‘Beachy Stout’ McDonald in the Home Circuit Court for the alleged murder of his second wife has turned into a clown show. I can’t recall anything of this magnitude ever happening to a trial in Jamaica’s highest Court.
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the trial of Everton ‘Beachy Stout’ McDonald failed to continue in the Home Circuit Court for the second time due to the absence of two jurors for medical reasons.
The presiding Justice, Chester Stamp, said the two jurors had medical procedures scheduled for the day, and it was uncertain whether they could resume their duties.
The Court was expected to continue with the testimony of a former ‘Beachy Stout’ employee.
As a result of the absent jurors, Justice Stamp adjourned the trial until Monday, October 2, 2023.
‘Beachy Stout’ and his co-accused Oscar Barnes are on trial for the July 20, 2020, murder of the Portland businessman’s second wife Tonia McDonald.
Jury-related issues have plagued the trial. The first seven-member jury had to be dismissed due to challenges faced by two jurors, forcing the judge to restart the trial. And the Court had to impanel a new juror.
Days into hearing testimony, the trial stalled again due to issues with jurors.
The judge may have to sequester the jury due to tampering.
McDonald is represented by four attorneys-at-law–Earl Hamilton, Courtney Rowe, Christopher Townsend, and John Jacobs.