Investigating officer testifies in Prospect murder trial

Feb 06, 2009 News

Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Morgan Chalmers, yesterday gave evidence in the trial of Karlene Alexander, who is charged with the unlawful killing of her reputed husband, Kenneth Harris.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mark Waldron, Chalmers said that during his investigation he learned that Alexander had made several reports of abuse inflicted on her by the deceased.

He also said that the morning after the incident had occurred he had to order a subordinate rank to escort Alexander to a doctor for medical treatment.

Several witnesses have already testified in the matter and the state has said that three witnesses will be presented on the next court date.

Alexander, 41, is indicted for the murder of Harris, 49, which occurred on January 10, 2006.
The matter is being heard by Justice Winston Patterson and will continue on Monday.

Police Sergeant Trotman, the crime scene investigator, has also testified. He said that he visited Prospect, East Bank Demerara on January 10, 2006, and did a preliminary survey, looking both indoor and outdoor.

According to him, he also saw the motionless body identified as that of Harris and that a black handled knife with what appeared to be blood on the blade, too, was nearby. He added that there were also what looked like bloodstains on the kitchen floor and walls of the house.

There was a hub of activity regarding the admission of the alleged murder weapon as evidence.
However, Justice Patterson ruled that a sealed parcel containing the alleged murder weapon is inadmissible.