Trini extradited to face murder charge

A 22-year-old Trinidadian was yesterday extradited to Edmonton, Canada, to face a charge of murder. Shaun Darren Toon, whose local address was given as Ste Madeleine, was put on a special Canadian jet at 9.25 am yesterday and flown directly to Alberta, Canada. Two officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) came to Trinidad last Friday to escort Toon back to Canada. The extradition warrant was signed in May by Attorney General John Jeremie after a request by the Canadian authorities for Toon.

The extradition hearing before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls was swift and fast. Just two witnesses — Cheryl Blackman, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Attorney General, and Sgt Wendell Williams, of the local Interpol branch, gave evidence. Toon was represented by Om Lalla, while David West, of the Attorney General’s Office, represented the Canadian government. Toon is wanted in Edmonton, Canada, on a five-count indictment. It is alleged that on September 21, 2003, at Edmonton, he did cause the unlawful death of Keith Hunter Raglon, thereby committing second degree murder. Toon is also charged with unlawfully using a firearm to commit murder, possession of a hand gun, possession of a firearm without a licence, and shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Toon was arrested by members of the Interpol Branch in a house in Ste Madeleine in April. His arrest followed an extradition request from the Attorney General of Alberta. According to the evidence, Edmonton police responded to a report on the morning of September 21, 2003 that a man had been shot. On arrival, the police found the man, who was later known as Raglon, aged 20, lying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Raglon was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations were conducted and statements taken from witnesses who identified Shaun Toon as having possession of a hand gun when several shots were heard.