Convicted yesterday afternoon for the murder of Linden bus driver Elvin Lorrimer, Kerry Cromwell now awaits sentencing.
Following about two hours of deliberations, the 12-member jury returned with its unanimous verdict, finding Cromwell guilty as charged for the March 21st, 2016 fatal shooting of Lorrimer.
Trial Judge Navindra Singh has, however, deferred sentencing until June 20th, to facilitate the presentation of a probation report, which was requested by defence attorney Stanley Moore.
Cromwell appeared visibly shocked and distressed by the announcement of the verdict by the jury foreman, as were his many relatives, who were moved to tears.
Lorrimer was gunned down on the night of March 21st, 2016, as he stood outside his minibus seeking passengers.
During the trial, Detective Corporal Alexie Annys had told the court that he saw when Cromwell shot Lorrimer.
According to Annys, he was in his barrack room, located in the compound of the Public Buildings, when he heard loud explosions that he suspected to be gunshots.
Alerted by the sounds, Annys said he immediately exited his room and went to the southern fence at Hadfield Street, where he had a clear view of the accused, who at the time was holding a black object, which he identified as being a pistol.
The witness had told the court that he saw Cromwell shoot Lorrimer during the encounter, which lasted for some 40 seconds. He had said that he and the shooter made eye contact for about six seconds.
Annys then went on to testify of being able, in no more than 10 seconds, to positively point out Cromwell from a lineup of eight men on an identification parade, as the person whom he saw shoot at Lorrimer.
Lorrimer, formerly of Lot 184 Carter Street, Kara Kara, Linden, died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries, according to an autopsy report.
The state’s case was led by Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs, in association with Tuanna Hardy and Teriq Mohammed.
