Murder accused beaten by villagers

It was at the Casualty Department of the hospital that Cadette was seen by Insp Anthony Lezama, who was conducting investigations into the murder of Grace Barbour-Cadette and her one-year-old son, Jabari.

Cadette is before Justice Anthony Carmona in the Port-of-Spain Fourth Criminal Court charged with the murder of his wife and son on March 10, 2002, at Roxborough Street, Diego Martin.

State attorneys Kathy-Ann Water-man-Latchoo and Joy Balkaran are prosecuting, while Hayden St Clair Douglas and Wendy Dougdeen-Bally appear for Cadette.

Lezama, who is attached to the St James Police Station, said he responded to a report on March 10, 2002, and went to a bamboo patch off Roxborough Street. There, he saw the bodies of a woman and child. The persons appeared to be dead. The bodies bore several wounds.

The District Medical Officer viewed the bodies and ordered their removal to the Forensic Science Centre. The next day, Lezama went to the Forensic Science Centre and witnessed autopsies performed by Dr Hughvon des Vignes.

On March 15, 2002, Lezama received certain information and went to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. He saw the accused sitting on a chair among police officers. He identified himself to the accused and informed him that he was investigating the deaths of mother and son.

Lezama told Cadette that he had information that he (Cadette) killed his wife and son. Cadette replied, "Yes, is me who killed meh wife and meh son. I have everything write down on paper and that police officer (Cpl Price) have the paper."

Lezama said he observed a small injury to Cadette’s chin, and another at the back of his head. There was also another injury around his neck which appeared to be partially dried up. The investigating policeman asked the accused where he got the injuries.

Cadette said the injuries to his chin and the back of his head were caused when he got a beating from villagers who held him at Maitagual. He said he got the injury around his neck when he tried to hang himself after killing his wife and son. Cadette was medically examined by Dr Holder at the Casualty Department. Bandages were placed on Cadette’s head and chin.

Lezama then left the hospital with the prisoner for the West End Police Station. On the way, Cadette wanted something to eat, so Lezama stopped in St James and bought a hamburger for the accused.

At the police station, Cadette asked for a bath which he received. The next morning, Cadette had another bath before Lezama asked him if he wanted to provide a statement. Cadette agreed and was given a pen and paper.

After Cadette was cautioned, he said, "meh mother and other relatives in the States and my sister Carol done know."

As Lezama continued, State attorney Balkaran told the court she could not go on as she continued to feel ill from last week. The other State attorney did not turn up as she was also ill. As a result, the case was adjourned early.

Hearing resumes tomorrow.