Aftermath of Nelson Street fire:

THE preliminary inquiry against a Guyanese woman on two charges of murder, four for attempted murder and another for arson, finally got underway yesterday.

Audrey Andrews appeared before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court to answer the charges arising out of the May 6 fire on Nelson Street, Port-of-Spain in which a man and a baby perished.

The charges were read to the accused, who sported a new hairstyle compared to when she first appeared in court on May 9.

It was alleged that on May 6 at 94 Nelson Street, Andrews murdered Junior Fortune and baby Josiah Toby. It was also alleged that she attempted to murder Tony Williams, Mervyn Anthony Joseph, Colin Henry, and Dexter James Williams. Andrews was also charged with unlawfully and maliciously setting fire to a residence at 94 Nelson Street having the six named victims.

The charges were laid indictably so Andrews was not called upon to plead. She was represented by attorney Orrin Kerr, while Sgt Winston Dillon prosecuted.

The first witness was Joanne Fortune, of Sawmill Avenue, Barataria. She is self-employed and the sister of Junior Fortune.

The second witness was Ray Roger Fortune, a taxi driver of Concession Drive, Sea Lots, Port-of-Spain. He is the brother of Junior Fortune. They were not cross-examined.

Hearing was adjourned to tomorrow.