Crime scene investigator wrote statement six years after crime, after start of trial

A forensic crime scene investigator (FCSI), called by the Crown as a witness in the ongoing Clansman Gang trial, yesterday gave brief testimony linking his role to the escorting of evidence in the murder case involving William Christian.

Christian, a government worker and businessman, was killed in April 2020.

Defendants Michael Wildman and Lamar Rowe are charged with Christian’s murder on count 19 of the 32-count indictment.

The FCSI, who identified himself as a detective corporal, told the court that his sole involvement in the matter was to transport evidence connected to Christian’s death to the forensic laboratory.

He said he delivered the items to the biological department and handed them over to a case receiving officer.

Under cross-examination from defence attorney Tameka Harris, who represents the accused Lamar Rowe, the witness admitted that he only provided a statement in the matter last week Monday, indicating it was the first time he had done so despite the incident taking place almost six years ago.

He also acknowledged that he could not recall the exact date the statement was given.

Pressed further, the detective corporal confirmed that he is currently stationed at the Criminal Investigation Branch headquarters, but said he was unable to identify the investigating officer in the case.

When asked whether he was aware of who held that role in April 2020, he responded in the negative.

Harris also highlighted that, despite his more than a decade of experience working scenes of crime, he had not recorded a statement until recently.

The witness agreed, adding that he only became aware of the matter the Friday before preparing his statement and was unaware that the trial had already begun in February 2026.

Attorney Paul Gentles, who represents Wildman, briefly questioned the witness, during which he reiterated that he did not visit the crime scene and was not familiar with the items he transported to the lab.

Meanwhile, the court was told by the prosecutor that video recordings linked to one of the defendants, as well as a key witness, were recently uploaded to the case database.

However, Harris raised concerns after it was revealed that the recordings contained no audio.

In response, the prosecutor indicated that checks were made with the Major Investigation Division, but it appeared that the original recording itself had no sound, and the resubmitted version was the same.

Harris questioned whether a transcript of the interactions existed, given the absence of audio, but the prosecutor confirmed that no such transcript is available.

The high-profile trial, which involves alleged Clansman gang leader Tesha Miller and 24 other accused, has so far seen 25 witnesses identified by the prosecution.

Proceedings are set to continue today at 10 a.m.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com