By Suelika N. Buchanan
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(Basseterre; St. Kitts): The preliminary inquiry of the 31-year-old Michelle Weekes-Benjamin’s murder has begun.
So far one witness has given evidence in the preliminary matter and that is the evidence of BarbadosPathologist Stephen Jones. Jones performed the systematic, forensic analysis or post mortem on the late Benjamin and revealed that her death was caused by asphyxia due to smothering..jpg)
Four persons are presently charged with the murder including Leroy and William Benjamin, husband and brother-in-law, respectively of the deceased, Sherwin ‘Squeaky’ George of Hyligar Alley, Fort Street and Coy ‘Red Rat’ Jeffers of New Road.
Weekes-Benjamin was reported missing on Monday Oct. 30, 2006 when she failed to show up at her workplace at the St. Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank situated at the Pelican Mall in Basseterre.
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Her husband said he had last seen her around 11 p.m. on Sunday Oct. 29.
Her body was found three days later in an unfinished septic tank in a building that was under construction on Rosemary Lane opposite the Ray of Hope Pre-School.
The husband and brother-in-law’s arrest and murder charge created a stir in St. Kitts as they are sons of Leroy Benjamin Sr. a local pastor, Supervisor of Elections and Police Force Chaplain.
William Benjamin was also charged along with Jeffers and others for the 2002 murder of David "Grizzly" Lawrence. However, having had their case heard at the High Court they were acquitted of the charge.
It is unsure as yet when the preliminary inquiry will be completed.
