Man to stand trial for double murder

AFTER several adjournments resulting from the absence of his attorney in court, a murder accused yesterday opted to abort the proceedings of the inquiry and accept whatever was decided by Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls. Moments later, he was committed to stand trial for murder at the next sitting of the Assizes.

Elton Davis, 23, of John Street, Pelican Extension, Morvant, instructed attorney Patrick Godson- Phillips to indicate to the court that he did not intend to continue with further cross-examination of State witness Cpl Jayson Forde. Forde, attached to the Port-of-Spain Homicide Bureau of Investigations, had given his evidence-in-chief on January 29 and had been extensively cross-examined by then defence attorney Joseph Melville. Melville, however, had not shown up for Davis’ hearings on the last three occasions that the inquiry was called. Forde had been scheduled to be further cross-examined. At the last hearing on February 11, Davis and State attorney Taramatie Ramdass had indicated that they had received no word from Melville regarding his ability to continue with legal representation.

Melville, who had been charged with conspiracy to murder, kidnapping and assault and the attempted murder of his former secretary, Patricia Cox, is presently being tried for the offences at the Port-of-Spain Assizes. McNicolls asked Godson-Phillips “to assist the court and appear on behalf of the accused today” because “he has been languishing in prison.” Despite some concerns about his not being knowledgeable about the details of the inquiry, Godson-Phillips obliged. However, after a short conversation with Davis, the attorney informed the magistrate of the accused’s decision. Davis had been charged with the May 30, 2003 murders of Kirt Rosal and Julien De Gannes.