Murder accused freed after witness refuses to testify

MARLON “Browning” Stanley was freed of murder yesterday after the main prosecution witness in the case refused to give evidence. Stanley, 30, of Latiff Street, Tunapuna, was charged with murder of 21-year-old Leo “Lippy” Jackson at Lovell Trace, Tunapuna, on February 28, 1999. Jackson died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the back of his head. State attorney Nalini Singh told  Justice Carlton Best in the Port-of-Spain Second Criminal Court that she received instructions from the police that the prosecution’s main witness, identified only as “Heads”, refused to give evidence as he claimed his life was being threatened. Singh said the State decided to discontinue with the trial as “Heads” was a main witness in the case.
 
Best directed the 12-member jury to return a not guilty verdict. He then told Stanley he was “a rather fortunate person” and discharged him. Best commended Singh for acting in the highest standard of the bar and added that no blame falls on the prosecution. Stanley was represented by Joan Charles and Ryan Cameron.