Trial continues in jury’s absence

The jury returned yesterday in the morning for continued hearing after the State closed it case on Thursday March 23 in the trial in which Anand Baboolal, 41, of Mayaro, is accused of killing Ria Ramlochan, 26, and her 18-month-old child in 2005.

Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor told the 12 members of the panel to return today because yesterday’s proceedings did not involve them.

Senior State Attorney Shaabana Shah, together with State Attorney Chantal Hospedales, is prosecuting in the trial in which 14 witnesses were called by the prosecution. Seven witness despositions were tendered and read to the jury.

Baboolal is alleged to have stabbed Ramlochan on August 13 at her home in Solomon Street, Mayaro.

Her body was discovered in a latrine pit at her home. Her baby boy, Ishmael Timothy Ragbir, was found floating in Ortoire River at Mafeking Village, Mayaro not far from where Ramlochan lived.