Two teen boys charged for 2024 murder of taxi man in Lawrence Tavern
Published:Tuesday | April 8, 2025 | 3:38 PM
A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were charged on Monday in connection with the shooting death of a taxi driver who was killed in 2024 in the Content district of Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew during an attack by a passenger after being chartered.
The teens have been charged with murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit murder, and using a firearm to commit a felony, based on CCTV footage and a witness statement.
Verne Joseph, 49, of Manning's Hill, Stony Hill, St Andrew, was killed on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
According to the police, at around 7:26 p.m., the two teens and a man boarded a white Toyota Probox motor car operated by Joseph, under the pretence of a charter.
Upon reaching a section of the Essex Hall main road, the male passenger brandished a firearm and proceeded to make demands of Joseph, the police reported.
In fear for his life, Joseph attempted to drive the car into a gully to avoid harm from the three assailants.
The man then opened fire, hitting Joseph in the head, causing the vehicle to crash into a retaining wall.
The two juveniles and the man exited the vehicle and tried to flee, but they were intercepted by angry residents.
The man used his firearm to ward off the residents and escaped on foot.
The police were summoned, and the teens were handed over to them.
Joseph's body was later found slumped over in the passenger seat of his vehicle.
Both the teens and Joseph were rushed to the hospital, where Joseph was pronounced dead, while the juveniles were treated and released into police custody.
On Monday, April 7, at around 2:00 p.m., the teens were formally charged based on CCTV footage and witness statements.
Efforts are under way to apprehend the third suspect.
A court date for the teens is currently being finalised.
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