Man charged with killing St James teen

A 23-year-old man appeared before a Port-of-Spain magistrate yesterday charged with the shooting death of a St James teenager, whose body was found in an abandoned outhouse in the same area. Appearing before Magistrate Krishendeo Narinesingh in the city’s Ninth Court was Jules “Sonny” Bruce of Aboud Circular, St James. Bruce is charged with the murder of 19-year-old Joseph Fortune, who was killed on May 13. Narinesingh read the indictable charge to Bruce who was told that he would not be called on to plead as he was charged with a capital offence. Fortune, 19, was found dead in an abandoned outhouse at Brunton Street in St James, with a bullet wound in the chest.

Bruce had also appeared earlier before Magistrate Avason Quinlan in the Four B Court, charged with seven firearm related offences. The charges read that on the same day the accused was held, he had an unlicensed firearm in his possession. Bruce was also charged with having ammunition without a licence in his possession. The murder accused was also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. A charge of wounding with intent and two other charges for robbery were also laid against the man. Sgt Henry Dann of the St James Police Station laid the charges. All matters, including the murder charge, were adjourned to June 3.