Four in court for casino robbery and murder

Anthony “Bussa” Contrera, 27, of Straker Lane, Tunapuna; Ricardo “Grizzly” Constance, 27, of Third Drive, Mt D’Or Road; Kelly Ann “Foxy” Shortte, 25, and the 16-year-old, both of Bushe Street, San Juan, were denied bail when they stood before Senior Magistrate Kemraj Harripersad on the capital charge.

The charges stem from a robbery at Jackpot Club on the Old Southern Main Road, Curepe, on January 18. Alexander was shot and killed during the robbery.

The four accused were escorted to the Tunapuna Magistrates’ Court by a team of heavily armed Northern Division Task Force officers.

The four were also jointly facing six charges of robbery with aggravation, including robbing Alexander of his Glock pistol worth $4,500 and 17 rounds of ammunition valued at $2,550.

It is also alleged that on January 18, they robbed Jackpot manager, Billy John, of cash and valuables worth over $150,000, and Paul Gonzalves, Camilla Baksh, Judy John and Oswald John of cash and personal items worth over $12,000.

A breakthrough in the investigation was made last weekend following intense enquiries by a team of investigators headed by ASP Johnny Abraham, and including Insp Stanley Ramdeen, Sgts Eric Parks, Basdeo Sinanan and PC Ameer Mohammed.

At their initial appearance yesterday, in the First Court, the accused were not called upon to plead as the charges were laid indictably. The case was ajourned to February 8.