Dad of murdered baby testifies

THE FATHER of 18-month-old Jameel Rochard gave evidence yesterday in the preliminary inquiry into his son’s death before Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Magistrates’ Court.

Monica Rochard, 28, is charged with murdering Jameel Rochard, who died in a fire at his Blue Basin home on November 25, last year. She was charged following investigations by Sgt Anthony Lezama of the West End CID. Jameel’s father, Jude Bonaparte, of Diego Martin Main Road, Blue Basin, was the fourth and last witness to testify for the day. Bonaparte gave evidence under the directions of State attorney Candia James. His testimony followed that of WPC Charmaine King of the West End Police Station, PC Michael Veronique of the Port-of-Spain Homicide Bureau and George Roxborough. Roxborough owns a shop at Blue Basin Road, Diego Martin. Defence attorney Nadia Ashraph was absent from court as she was ill. She will cross-examine the witnesses at the next court date. James told the magistrate the State intends to call five more witnesses in the matter which was adjourned to next Wednesday.