2 men on murder charge make dash for freedom

IN broad daylight, and before a Mayaro magistrate, two men charged with murder made an unsuccessful dash for freedom from the courthouse yesterday morning. However, court and process police on duty at the courtroom quickly overcame their shock and swiftly overpowered Alexander Don and Oreen Lewis.

Don and Lewis are jointly charged with Juan Nicholas and Gregory Tan for the murder of Jerry David Boodoo. Police sources told Newsday that in addition to the murder charge, Don and Lewis could expect additional criminal charges of assaulting two policemen, maliciously damaging court property and attempting to escape lawful custody. The four men reappeared in court on the murder charge yesterday morning and stood before Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno. According to reports, around 11.30 am, while the four men stood before the magistrate, Don and Lewis allegedly pushed PC Mohammed and court prosecutor Cpl Tiwarie and made a mad dash for the exit. However, other police officers quickly converged at the door, located on the northern side of the court room, and grabbed both men while Magistrate Cedeno and other persons watched in disbelief. Magistrate Cedeno then adjourned the case and the four men were quickly taken out of the courtroom and into an armoured vehicle. During the escape attempt, the door on the northern side of the courtroom was damaged. A formal report on the incident was made to the Mayaro police and a team of officers, led by Sgt Rampersad and others, went to the courtroom. Sgt Rampersad is continuing investigations.