The trial into the murder of Victor Da Silva, with which taxi driver Joseph Williams has been charged, commenced yesterday at the High Court in Georgetown, before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury.
The indictment against Williams, is that on July 8, 2013 at Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown, he, along with persons unknown, murdered Da Silva, in the course or furtherance of a robbery. He has denied the charge.
Yesterday the court viewed a video recording which was tendered by the prosecution and admitted into evidence.
The recording contained the interview of the accused, conducted by police investigators after the incident. On the tape, the accused spoke of a pre-arrangement he had with another man who reserved him for hire for July 8.
He said that on the day in question, he met the person and three other men in separate vehicles and was requested that he follow “a vehicle.”
Williams could be heard telling investigators on the tape, that when in the Water Street area, he heard loud sounds and felt an impact aback his vehicle; at which point he became afraid and immediately exited the vehicle and ran for cover.
He said he later returned to his vehicle after shots were fired.
The accused claimed that he was unaware of what was going on, adding that the man he was transporting, also fled the vehicle and ran away.
Da Silva was shot dead while his best friend, gas station owner Cecil Gajadhar sustained a gunshot wound to the side of his face when they were ambushed by gunmen. At the time, the men, both 72 years old, were heading to a Water Street bank to transact business. A bag containing millions was stolen.
Williams is being represented by Attorney Peter Hugh.
Two of the state’s 18 witnesses have so far testified.
The state’s case is being presented by lead prosecutor Diana Kaulesar, in association with state attorneys Tamieka Clarke and Tuanna Hardy.
The trial continues this morning at 9.
