‘Gio’ McKenzie’s multiple murder case set for committal hearing on January 27
Published:Saturday | January 11, 2025 | 12:10 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Joseph ‘Gio’ McKenzie, once listed as St James’ most wanted man, is facing multiple murder and gun-related charges. His committal hearing has been scheduled for January 27 in the St James Parish Court, as announced during a case mention on Wednesday.
McKenzie, who was the subject of an extensive manhunt before being captured on August 25 last year, was given the new court date by presiding parish judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce. He is currently in custody but was not brought before the court, with no reason provided for his absence.
The court was informed that the post-mortem report for one of McKenzie’s alleged victims was recently emailed to the clerk of the court, facilitating the preparation of the necessary document bundle for trial.
“The lab was able to email me a copy of the post-mortem examination report, so now I am in a position to prepare the bundle. That matter can be put on the hearing list at this time,” the clerk told Judge Grant-Pryce.
The prosecution requested the January 27 date for all of McKenzie’s matters, with the expectation that his lawyer, Chumu Parris, will be served with the outstanding documents before then. Grant-Pryce set the case for hearing on January 27, when McKenzie is expected to appear in person.
McKenzie is charged with the April 6, 2023 murder of 21-year-old Darian Bowman, and the April 27, 2024 murder of 28-year-old Randy McNeil. Details of a third murder charge have not been disclosed in court.
McKenzie also faces charges in the Western Regional Gun Court.
Reports indicate that Bowman was found bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds along the Flanker main road on April 6, 2023. He was taken to the hospital by a Jamaica Defence Force unit but succumbed to his injuries.
In McNeil’s case, on April 27, 2024, he was shot multiple times while walking along the Flanker roadway, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
McKenzie was captured on August 25, 2024 during a police operation at Harvey Beach in Coral Gardens, St James.
Following his arrest, the St James police disclosed that a firearm taken from him was linked to four other crimes beyond the current murder charges.