Two teens committed to stand trial for murder

Two teenagers were yesterday committed to stand trial for the murder of a Sea Lots man by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court.

Ricardo Lett, 19, and a 14-year-old relative were charged with the murder of Douglas Alexander, a labourer, at Production Avenue, Sea Lots, on July 30, 2002. Alexander reportedly died as a result of a chop wound by a cutlass to his head. The charges were laid by Sgt Creichton Hudson of the Besson Street CID. Magistrate Mc Nicolls’ decision followed the closing submissions of both the defence and prosecution. The accused were represented by attorney Aden Stroude. Nizam Khan of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) represented the State.

Mc Nicolls overruled the defence’s no case submission stating that he was satisfied that a prima facie case had been made against the accused in the matter. He then asked if either of the teenagers would like to give any evidence in their defence upon which they chose to remain silent. They were then advised to submit in writing any names they may wish to call on their behalf to the DPP within ten days. The magistrate then remanded the two teens in custody to stand trial at the next sitting of the Assizes. The 14-year-old was remanded to the Youth Training Centre.