Murder accused in court

THE SANTA CRUZ man charged with the October 15 murder of a teenager outside a St James bar, yesterday appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate to answer to the charge as well as two other charges.

Damien McMillan, 24, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gafoor at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Second Court charged with the murder of 14-year-old Maurice Mota and possession of a firearm and six rounds of ammunition. Mota, of Fort George Road, St James, was shot outside Jazzy’s Bar, Western Main Road, St James and later died on arrival at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. McMillan was arrested on Wednesday night at Independence Square, Port-of-Spain during a sting operation led by Sgt Nandram Moonilal. He was subsequently charged by Cpl Andrew Charles of the St James police station. The defendant’s attorney Patrick Godson Phillips made a list of requests of documents, including documents pertaining to the murder matter that the prosecution may not use in the course of the trial which would be useful to the defence. He also requested that the gold chain and ring that were taken from his client following his arrest be handed over to his client’s relatives. The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Eighth Court.