Early start for inquiry into ‘Red fete’ killing

THE WHEELS of justice were speeded up yesterday  as two State witnesses were called to the stand, signalling the start of the inquiry into the murder charge laid against PC Dave Burnett. The officer was arrested and charged two weeks ago and this was his third appearance before Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls at the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court. Under normal circumstances, Burnett would have had to wait at least two months before the inquiry began. However, when Burnett had last appeared in court on February 5, the State had come under severe criticism by Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls and defence attorney Pamela Elder SC for its delay in assigning a State attorney to the matter. Attorney Tricia Hudlin has since been assigned to prosecute in the murder inquiry. She had not received any instructions from the DPP, Hudlin said, regarding the wounding with intent inquiry.

Burnett’s defence team includes Elder and attorney Mario Merritt. Burnett, 30, of St Barbs Road, Belmont, was charged with the murder of Kevin Cato and wounding another man, Ryan Solomon, with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. He was  charged on January 28 by Supt Errol Denoon of the Port-of-Spain CID. Cato, 18, of Heritage Drive, Chin Chin Road, Cunupia, was fatally shot at the “Outrageous in Red” fete at Pier 1 on January 25 and Solomon, of Longdenville, Chaguanas, was severely wounded. The two were allegedly involved in an altercation with the officer.

Cato’s mother, Marilyn Cato, of Cunupia and his aunt, Josephine Forto, of Caroni Savannah Road, New Settlement, Chaguanas, were called on to give evidence. Burnett never once glance in their direction, but instead looked straight ahead with his face devoid of expression. Occasionally, the officer closed his eyes as if praying. Neatly dressed in black pants and jacket, Burnett had earlier walked to the prisoner’s dock unescorted and free of handcuffs. He will re-appear before McNicolls on February 20.