A JUDGE presiding over the trial concerning the murder of a Doris Johnson Senior High School student assured a jury that proceedings will continue on Thursday after announcing that their presence would not be needed for another 48 hours.
Justice Bernard Turner yesterday admitted to the 12-member panel that the news “sounds like a broken record” but, he said, there was a matter that had to be resolved before they could return to hear evidence in the trial of three teens accused of murdering Adonai Wilson.
The teens, aged 18, 17 and 15, face a charge of murder in the December 9, 2015 stabbing death of 16-year-old Wilson. They were charged under Section 291 (1)(b) of the Penal Code, which does not carry the discretionary death or life sentence if a conviction is reached at trial.
According to initial reports the 16-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times during an argument with several other students shortly after school was dismissed early because of exams. He died in hospital a short time later.
The incident took place around 2pm on Prince Charles Drive and a graphic cell phone video of the incident was spread on social media.
The teens have retained attorneys Murrio Ducille, Roberto Reckley and Ian Cargill to represent them. Kristan Stubbs and Bradford McKenzie are prosecuting for the Crown.
Yesterday’s trial was expected to resume after a three-day hiatus for the jury, who had been excused since last Thursday for legal discussions between Crown and defence counsel.
When the matter was called into the courtroom at noon, an hour after the scheduled start, Justice Turner apologised for the news he would deliver to them.
“There are occasions that you are asked to come to court prior to a circumstance which may arise. Again such a circumstance has arisen but at this point, I’m going to ask that you return to this court on Thursday, August 25.
“I don’t have a crystal ball but I’m reasonably certain we’ll have some movement in the matter. And so I remind you all of the oath you took and ask that you continue to abide by it,” the judge added.
By Lamech Johnson, Tribune Staff Reporter
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