Man in court for killing baby

SEVERAL curious persons yesterday milled around the Mayaro Magistrates’ Court waiting to catch a glimpse of Marcus Wharwood, 29, who appeared before Senior Magistrate Indrani Cedeno charged with the murder of his 18-month-old daughter, Shania. Clad in navy blue designer shirt and blue denim long pants, a handcuffed Wharwood made his way into the court and locked eyes with his weeping mother Ulin Medina, who sat with his other relatives in the public seating area of the courtroom. Wharwood stood and appeared calm and relaxed as the charge of murder was read out in court against him. He was represented by attorney Richard Valere. As he stood listening to the charge, Wharwood constantly pulled up his loose fitting pants in an effort to keep it at waist level.

The charge laid by detective Cpl Bebee against Wharwood alleged that he murdered baby Shania at Radix Village, Mayaro sometime between January 22 and 23. Wharwood’s attorney requested disclosure of both a statement given to police by his client and records detailing the victim’s  medical condition. Court prosecutor Sgt Harrilal said these files first had to be sent to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) so as to retain a State Counsel, before the disclosures could be made. However Sgt Harrilal assured it would be eventually made available to the defence.