Shrewsbury murder trial set for November 12
Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The two policemen who are facing murder charges in connection with the shooting deaths of three relatives in Westmoreland last year will stand trial on November 12, when they will return before the Trelawny Circuit Court.
Constables Kenroy Hines and Damane Campbell are charged with the March 15, 2013 shooting deaths of brothers Andrew and Triston Brydson and their cousin Kingsley Green. They were given the new court date and had their bails extended when they appeared in court yesterday, after presiding High Court Justice Sharon George was told that the attorney for one of the defendants was absent because of illness.
"Mr Peter Champagnie (who is representing Campbell) is not well, and Counsel has requested the matter be set for the first day of the next Circuit Court sitting," prosecutor Kerry-Ann Campbell told Justice George. "November 12 is the earliest date ... . Please subpoena the witnesses, my lady," Campbell added.
"Your bails are extended until November 12. Both of you, go see your lawyers and make sure they are here for November 12 for trial," Justice George told Hines and Campbell, before allowing them to leave.
The Brydson brothers and Green were killed on March 15, 2013 in Shrewsbury, Westmoreland, by a police team who claimed the men had engaged them in a shoot-out. The police's account was hotly disputed by residents and relatives of the men, who staged several days of protest demanding justice.
The prosecution is expected to call some 10 witnesses for its case against the two policemen.