Two policemen, including a former ‘Best Cop’ awardee, were yesterday charged with the murder of businessman Godfrey Scipio, called ‘Sagga’, who was gunned down outside of a city hotel last month.
Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman, who was once named ‘Best Cop,’ and constable Jamenson Williams were brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman and read the charge that on October 12, at Stanley Place and David Street, Kitty, they murdered Scipio in the course or furtherance of a robbery.
Eastman and Williams were not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.
Attorney Nigel Hughes, who appeared in association with attorney Eusi Anderson, for Eastman, told Magistrate Judy Latchman that there is a great concern for the policeman’s safety, while noting that threats were made to his client by a member of the public as he was being escorted into the court compound.
Hughes said the individual, who was previously charged in a matter that was investigated by Eastman, told his client that his days were numbered and he would have his friends who are incarcerated deal with him.
Hughes stated that the physical safety of his client was his primary concern and urged that the necessary steps be taken to ensure such.
Attorney Dexter Todd, who represented Williams, also voiced his fears over his client’s safety. He noted that the case is a sensitive one as well as the fact that Williams would have been involved in numerous investigations.
Both attorneys requested the full disclosure of statements at the next hearing.
In response to the attorneys’ requests, Police Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Telford noted that the responsibility of their safety was that of the prison authority. He added, however, that the requests made by the attorneys would be forwarded to his seniors.
Telford also said that additional investigations are needed, based on the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Both Eastman and Jamenson were remanded to prison but not before Magistrate Latchman urged the prosecutor to have the threat against the former investigated.
The matter was then adjourned until December 5, when it will be called before the Chief Magistrate for assignment and the disclosure of statements.
On October 17, another man, Aubrey Bobb, was also charged with the murder of Scipio.
Scipio, of Lot ‘ZZ’ 22 D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, was shot once in his abdomen during the fatal attack at Stanley Place, Kitty.
He subsequently succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Woodlands Hospital.
The police, in a statement had said that initial investigations revealed that Scipio and a female companion had just exited a city hotel and were entering his vehicle when a lone gunman pounced on them, demanding cash and jewellery.
The police said the suspect discharged a round, hitting Scipio in the abdomen, then relieved him of his jewellery and escaped on foot.
