Presidential guard murder trial…Defence gives closing arguments

Jan 30, 2013 News

By Zena Henry
Lawyers for murder accused Mortimer Melville and Jevon Ismond summed up yesterday, why their clients should not be found guilty of the capital offence of murder. They presented closing arguments before presiding Judge Dawn Gregory, in the case involving the death of presidential guard, Nazir Ali.
The man was killed in August of 2007 when two persons pretending to be customers, walked into a shop and robbed it. The defendant was shot when he attempted to defend himself and family.
Attorney at law Hookumchand, who is representing Melville, started his presentation by making reference to the evidence provided. He focused on the evidence that alleged eyewitnesses presented. In summing up, Hookumchand said that the identity of his client is the most fundamental part of the case and at the same time, the jurors must determine whether the accused was wrongfully accused.
Compton Richardson, who is representing Jevon Ismond, had similar sentiments with respect to his client. He first asked the jury that in making their decision, they should separate the two accused and view the evidence against them separately. He said that the evidence given by the star witness in the case, who is also the deceased man’s sister, must be viewed intensely. He said that not all evidence coming out the witness box they must believe. It is their duty, he urged, to decide whether what is being said is acceptable or whether it should be rejected.
The lawyer also lingered on the question of identity. Like Hookumchand, he too urged the 12-member mixed jury to see that his client was wrongfully accused and that it was a simple case of mistaken identity.
He stressed that during an identification parade which was held subsequent to the murder, his client was never pointed out. He opined that since that had been the occurrence, it meant that the eyewitness could not tell, “Who was the red skin man” who had committed the robbery.
Apart from that, Compton said that the prosecution failed to show how the connection between that “red skin” man and his client was made. He argued that there was no information stating the features and forms of description that allowed the witness to positively identify his client.
The two accused are charged in a felony-murder. The information is that on the day in question, Melville who is the number one accused, walked into the shop belonging to Ali’s wife and asked to purchase something. He exited the shop and allegedly returned with the number two accused, Ismond.
The men then allegedly robbed those present as Ali and family members were seated outside their home at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Melville reportedly held a gun while the other accused relieved those robbed of their gold jewellery.
As the two accused were leaving the scene, Ali who was a president’s guard at the time attempted to defend himself and his family. A scuffle reportedly ensued between Ali and one of the robbers with Ali ending up with three shots.
The victim’s firearm was taken away after the gunman reportedly dragged the man to the gate. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital by relatives but died while receiving medical attention. The matter will continue today.

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Presidential guard murder trial…Defence gives closing arguments

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