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
or should be an obligation on the Crown to provide the defense with a Jury opening note or opening note in this and other cases.
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.
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – Officers from the Serious Crime Unit (SCU) of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have made a breakthrough following boat thefts in the TCI.
On May 19, 2024, FARIDSON JEAN BAPTISTE, a Haitian national, was charged with the following offences:
- Theft of TCI boat Marauder
- Theft of TCI boat Jupiter
- Theft of TCI boat Team Baja
- Handling Stolen Goods
- Assisting Illegal Entry into the TCI
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE was initially detained on April 5 th 2024, while attempting to enter the TCI on a high-powered boat that was reported stolen. At the time of the interception, thirty (30) irregular migrants were being transported.
Mr JEAN BAPTISTE remains in custody pending a court date. The arrest and subsequent charges against Mr Jean Baptiste follow a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation by the SCU and the Haitian National Police.
These investigations resulted in the recovery of boats and other property stolen from the TCI, which were retrieved from several locations in Haiti.
The recovered property has an estimated value of over $1.2 million.
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force conducted joint road operations alongside the TCI Border Force on May 13th and 16th, 2024, focusing on crime reduction, illegal migration, and road safety.
These efforts aimed to ensure compliance with Road Traffic regulations and yielded significant results. During these operations, THIRTY-EIGHT (38) individuals were detained for immigration violations, and SIXTY-SIX (66) were reported for traffic offences. For April and May 2024, overall joint operations have resulted in ONE HUNDRED and TWENTY (120) persons detained for immigration purposes, and ONE HUNDRED and NINETY-NINE (199) reported for traffic violations.
Acting Inspector Damian Mitchell emphasised the interconnectedness of road traffic compliance, crime, and illegal migration.
He stated, “These operations focus on addressing each critical area.”
Division B and Community Policing head Superintendent Dwight Gardiner noted a general increase in public compliance with traffic regulations during the first quarter of the year.
Superintendent Gardiner encouraged road users to adhere to all aspects of the law, stating, “Let us all strive to keep our roads safe for everyone and reduce crime in our communities. Adhere to the rules of the road. Thanks to our law enforcement partners and you, members of the public.”
Motorists are especially urged to comply with regulations regarding vehicle window tints. Violations carry a substantial penalty of $250 per window.
The RTCIPF and TCI Border Force thank the public for their cooperation and continued efforts to maintain safety and order on the roads.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Correspondent
#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2024 – An undocumented Haitian male, aged 20, faces charges related to gang activity and firearms.
He was apprehended along with others in a small blue car in front of Sunny Foods Supermarket on South Dock/Five Cays Road on Tuesday, May 2nd, 2024. Providing the name JAMES SIMON to the police, he was accompanied by a 16/17-year-old (name withheld) who faces charges of unlawful entry.
The accused is charged with illegal possession of a Black Glock 44 (serial number AEBE402) containing 10 rounds of 22LR ammunition on South Dock/Five Cays Road, Providenciales.
Additionally, he is alleged to be one of three individuals involved in a morning robbery at 809 or Chances, Blue Hills, Providenciales. The robbery, captured on video, involved the gunpoint theft of a female’s white handbag containing $799.00.
He has been remanded until the next sufficiency hearing on July 7th, 2024. Appearing in court on Monday, May 13th, he was represented by Mr. Ashwood Forbes, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions represented by Ms. Enjaleek Dickerson.
He was arraigned on the following charges:
- Gang membership
- Robbery
- Possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang
- Possession of ammunition for the benefit of a gang
- Unlawful entry
- Possession of a firearm
- Possession of ammunition
Both individuals are Creole-speaking.
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