As the prosecution winds down its case in the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, ballistics evidence was yesterday presented before the court.
This evidence was given by Inspector of Police Eon Jackson, a ballistics expert, who testified in relation to the ammunition and pistol said to have been used in the crime. Cross-examination was declined by Adrian Thompson, who is representing the accused, Regan Rodrigues.
Tremayne Thomas of the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost also testified yesterday.
Prosecutor Nigel Hughes indicated that there are five witnesses remaining in the matter, which has been adjourned to July 26 for continuation.
Just before adjournment, Rodrigues made an attempt to bring to Magistrate Judy Latchman’s attention what appeared to be the clipping of an article published on the matter. The magistrate, however, indicated to him that it was not the time for such and subsequently left the courtroom.
Rodrigues had muttered a series of protests during Jackson’s testimony, soliciting several calls for “order in the court” from the orderly. His exit was marked by shouts of anger and frustration, including a statement—to no one in particular—of “Aya don’t suffer me! You goh bring the PPP for them things.”
Rodrigues, called Grey Boy, was charged in August with the murder of Crum-Ewing, who was gunned down in Diamond, whilst urging persons to vote in the May 2015 general elections.
In January of this year, the accused was cleared of a charge which alleged that he was in possession of the gun reportedly linked to the murder, but was sentenced to three years imprisonment for escaping from custody. Magistrate Fabayo Azore had said at that time that the prosecution had failed to prove the elements of knowledge and possession of the firearm.
Nevertheless, the murder PI commenced a few weeks later before Magistrate Latchman.
