News
Alleged Killer Pair preparing for Trial in 2020 Murder of Garfield Dennie
By Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, June 29, 2023 – Major blow for the defense in the soon to begin, murder trial of a pair of alleged killers: SHAQUANT WALKIN AND JAMESLY DESTINE.
On Friday June 23rd 2023, counsel for the defense Ms. Sheena Mair (who was also holding for Mrs. Lara Maroof-Misick) raised matters of incomplete disclose and other pretrial concerns with the newly appointed trial judge the Hon Mr. Chris Selochan.
One of the important disclosure issues raised by the defense was the fact that, the defense had not received “the Jury opening note or a proper jury note” from the crown, as directed by previous judges in this and other matters.
Principal public prosecutor Mr. Clement Joseph in this case and as he would in most cases resist the fact that there is
The learned new Justice agreed with Mr. Joseph and said he doesn’t see where the court has authority to order or direct the DPP’s Office that they must disclose opening jury notes or opening note to the defense.
He made it clear to the defense that, without authority he cannot and wouldn’t be doing it. The Hon Judge expressed the need to expedite this case which he will treat with priority, given its age.
“The opening jury note or opening note” as explained is supposed to be a document in detail outlining the manner in which the Crown intends to open there addresses to the jury.
The accused pair Walkin and Destine is soon to be tried for the shooting death of 20 year old Garfield Dennie who was struck along with another 19 year old on 23rd May,2020.
Garfield Dennie was shot in the upper body and had to be flown to Jamaica for further intense medical treatment; he died on June 5th 2020.
DESTINE and WALKIN were charged with the ” no care” Blue Hills street shooting and homicide on Wednesday 24th March, 2021 by the serious crime unit.
Both accused have been separately charged with murder before; they were found not guilty in their individual cases.
Destine and Walkin are currently remanded.