Cascade murder trial adjourned

Two men, charged with the murders of two women and a man in December 2001 at Cascade, had their matter adjourned yesterday to May 10 to allow for their attorneys to get relevant documents and organise the management of their cases. The adjournment was granted by Justice Paula Mae Weekes to accused Daniel Agard and Lester Pitman, both of Upper Bush Street in San Juan. The two are charged with murdering John Cropper, Lynette Pearson Lichglow and Maggie Lee between December 11-14, 2001, at a house in Cascade.

When the matter was called yesterday, Senior State prosecutor Trevor Ward, assisted by prosecutor George Busby, indicated to the Second Criminal Court that they were ready to proceed with the trial, but the defence asked for an adjournment. Ward explained to the court that he has witnesses who had come from overseas and were scheduled to leave on May 13. As a result, he wanted the matter to proceed with before the departure date of his witnesses.

Attorney Mario Merritt, who represents Agard, said that he was now involved in a part-heard matter in another court, while attorney Wayne Sturge, who represents Pitman, explained that the case documents were stolen with his car a few weeks ago. He said he needed time to get copies of the documents. Justice Weekes granted an adjournment, but warned the attorneys to be properly organised to start the case on May 10. The State has about 47 witnesses to call while Pitman has ten.