Defence offers ‘power mint’ in murder trial

Margaret Alexander, the first witness to be called yesterday in the murder trial of her brother, Roger Alexander, was offered a “power mint” by defence attorney Keith Scotland to help her with her “cold.” Before the start of the trial, a jury of seven women and five men was impanelled by Justice Rajendra Narine in the Port-of-Spain First Criminal Court. On trial are Garvin Sookram aka “Bean,” John Wayne Alleyne aka “Bumbles,” Junior Sookram aka “Country,” Hassan Sanchez and Ronald Gaskin aka “Doom.” They are charged with the murder of Alexander aka “OneArm,” on August 19, 2000, at Saw Mill Avenue in Barataria.

Alexander, 34, a father of one, was shot from the back four times. Representing the State in the matter as a special prosecutor is former deputy DPP Rangie Dolsingh SC assisted by  senior prosecutor Jeron Joseph. The defence team consists of Pamela Elder SC, Osbourne Charles SC, Sean Cazabon, Keith Scotland and Margaret Rose. Margaret Alexander, who had identify her brother’s body at the scene, was offered the mint by Scotland just before he began his cross-examination of her evidence. Hearing continues today.