Tight security

Under heavy police watch three men accused of committing two murders back in January, and another who allegedly supplied a gun to one of the accused, were escorted into the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court this morning for their first court appearance.

From as early as 9 a.m. law enforcement officials were stationed at the gates of the Bridgetown court along with the customary security guards keeping the public at a distance.  Those desirous of doing business in the court’s precincts or who were even scheduled to attend court were made to stay on the opposite side of the court as the courtyard remained clear of any pedestrian traffic.

There were armed lawmen in strategic positions around the court as the accused were escorted into court round 10:15 a.m.

They are: 25-year-old Jaleel Kadeem Callender, of Block 2D Barbarees Gardens, Barbarees Hill, St Michael and 18-year-old Jalen Trimal Jones-Cox, Kings Gap, Eagle Hall, St Michael who are jointly accused of murdering Darrell Harris – the 3rd recorded murder for the year – on January 15, 2019.

Moments later they were followed by 27-year-old Lamar Alex Hewitt, of 7th Avenue New Orleans, St Michael and 33-year-old Shamar Recardo James, of Murphy’s Pasture, Chapman Lane, St Michael.

Hewitt is accused of murdering Corrie Parris – Barbados’ 8th recorded murder – on January 23, 2019. It is further alleged that he supplied a firearm to Rio Benn between February 1 and 18, 2019 when he did not have a valid licence to do so.

James meanwhile is charged that during that same period he supplied a firearm to Callender when he did not have a licence to do so.

As the men walked from the Central Police Station across the courtyard, they looked in the direction of the entrance to the precincts where family and friends normally stand under the arch. Though there were no observers present, voices could be heard shouting from the distance.

Callender, a shopkeeper, was represented by attorney-at-law Harry Husbands; Jones-Cox, a jockey, had Ajamu Boardi as his legal counsel while James a steel bender, was represented by Romain Marshall. Hewitt, who is unemployed, had no legal counsel present.

The accused where not required to plead to the indictable charges when they appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court and were automatically remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison at Dodds.

Callender and Jones-Cox were given a March 29, 2019 date to return to court while Hewitt and James will make their second appearance before the same magistrate on April 1.

After 15 minutes in the No.1 Criminal Court the men were again shackled and escorted out, this time by prison officers under the watchful eye of armed police.

As they walked across the precincts once more two of the men raised their handcuffed hands in the air shouting: “Love you . . . love wunna”. These sentiments were returned from the streets.

Following the appearances the public who were waiting to attend court and do business were allowed in once the necessary security checks were made and the regular court day got underway.
fernellawedderburn@barbadsotoday.bb