A St Catherine Parish Court Judge set two men free on Monday, September 2, 2024, after the prosecution did not produce enough evidence to convict the men of aggravated robbery.
The police had charged the men after they allegedly robbed a woman in Portmore, St Catherine, in December 2023.
The authorities identified the men as Jhamani James, 39, and 27-year-old Kenneth Allen, both from Corporate Area addresses.
Parish Court Judge Janelle Nelson-Gayle agreed with the defense submission that the Crown did not have enough evidence to secure a conviction.
On April 29, 2024, the defense, represented by attorneys-at-law Sheldon Campbell and Michael Campbell, highlighted the lack of video evidence and the absence of an ID parade conducted by the police. Hence, the prosecution did not prove there was a connection between the men and the robbery.
Agreeing with the defense, the judge granted the men bail.
Allegations disclosed in court on Monday stated that in December 2023, two men robbed the complainant of a Honda Fit motorcar in Braeton, Portmore, St Catherine.
The complainant reported the incident to the St Catherine South police, who promptly launched a thorough investigation.
During the investigation, the police intercepted the motorcar in New Kingston with the accused aboard.
The police arrested the men and formally charged them with robbery with aggravation after an interview.
Throughout several court appearances, the men steadfastly maintained their innocence, a testament to their belief in the justice system.
Shooting Incident Mars West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in New York.
NEW YORK, CMC – NYPD said a shooting incident marred the annual West Indian American Day Carnival Parade held on Monday. At least five people were reportedly shot and injured.
Chief of Patrol John Chell said the incident was not random. He added that the suspected gunman is in his 20s. He reportedly stood on a concrete divider on Eastern Parkway and fired multiple shots into the crowd of nearby spectators before fleeing the scene. He is still at large.
New York’s Law enforcement identified the victims, who are all listed in stable condition, as follows:
- A 69-year-old woman who got shot in the back and right shoulder.
- A 64-year-old man who got shot in the right arm.
- A 36-year-old man who sustained a bullet in the head.
- A 25-year-old man who got in the abdomen.
- A 16-year-old male who received a bullet in the left arm.
United States House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the sitting Crown Heights representative, said he was “saddened and horrified” by the shooting.
“My prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. The parade is a beautiful exhibition of culture and community that I have been honored to attend over the years, including this year. Every American should be able to celebrate their heritage without the threat of gun violence.
“No one in Brooklyn, New York, or America is safe until we get weapons of war off our streets. America can’t be the best version of herself until we crush the scourge of gun violence once and for all,” he added.
Reportedly, many attendees and performers were unaware of the shooting.
The West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the event, said over three million spectators participated. It was the 57th year staging of Caribbean culture, cuisine, and steel band music.