Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer
OPERATION TRIDENT, which investigates black-on-black killings in England, have reported that having visited Jamaica a few weeks ago, they are now following new leads into the killing of seven-year-old Jamaican, Toni-Ann Byfield, and her 47-year old father, Bertram.
The investigating officer assigned to the double murder, Detective Inspector Neil Basu, recently told The Gleaner that details of the new development would be available via the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) later this week. He said he has just returned from Jamaica where the investigations have been extended.
NO DETAILS
However, the detective would not divulge details of his travels to Jamaica, saying it may infringe on investigations at this time. The London Metropolitan police have classified the double murder as one of the most difficult to solve as no one saw what happened.
He added, however, that the BBC Crime Watch programme will, on September 15, re-broadcast a re-enactment of the murder, where some of the new details will be disclosed. It is believed that the BBC programme, along with the new details, will assist in unravelling the intricacies of the murder.
Toni-Ann and her father were shot dead at a bed-sit in Kensal Green on September 24, two years ago. The child was reportedly running away from the attackers who sought her father - a known drug dealer - when she was cut down by a bullet to the back. The police theorise that the child, who was in care of the Birmingham welfare programme at the time, is believed to have been killed because she may have known the gunmen or would be able to identify them.
Meanwhile, the British Home Office is to decide, in another six weeks, whether or not Roselyn Richards, Toni-Ann's mother, is to be deported to Jamaica.
Ms. Richards came to England following the slaying of her daughter and had her application to remain in the U.K. on grounds that her life would be at risk if she returned to Jamaica, was turned down over a month ago. She got a last-minute reprieve to appeal the decision and was taken off a plane bound for Jamaica at London Heathrow airport a few weeks ago.
While the Home Office does not discuss individual cases, The Gleaner has been reliably informed that Ms. Richards was turned down, as the Home Office is of the view that there is no real threat to her life if she returns to Jamaica.
Lawyers representing Ms Richards have contended that a family member has already been killed for asking about Toni-Ann's death. They also say that if Ms. Richards returns to Jamaica, she would also be killed by Toni-Ann's killers or accomplices who may be in Jamaica.
