War vet put on bond for killing

The judge placed pensioner Charles “Pops” Murray on a $30,000 bond to keep the peace for two years for killing his friend who had stolen his pension.

Murray, 82, a World War II veteran, had pleaded guilty in the San Fernando High Court last week. In passing sentence yesterday, Carmona said if Murray is sent to prison for the crime, it would amount to a sentence of death in disguise.

Murray fatally stabbed Dexter Junior Marshall, 37, also known as Chibbly, on April 1, 2004, after he caught him rummaging through his suitcase in his house at Newbold Street, Navet, San Fernando. Marshall lived with Murray, and according to state attorney Narissa Ramsundar, Murray had beaten the victim for stealing his pension, a carton of cigarettes and a box of wrappers.

Carmona said yesterday the killing was not premeditated but occurred in a frenzy of rage. He said Murray had taken Marshall into his home after the victim’s house burnt down. The judge added Murray had used his pension to care for Marshall.

“The deceased simply took advantage of this old man, fleecing him of his pension money. This comes more provocative for a pensioner who by his age and frailty, is now unemployable,” Carmona said.

Carmona said Murray served in a TT batallion during World War II.

Attorney Ian Gray, instructed by Steadson Jack, represented Murray.