BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER hours of deliberations, a six-man/six-woman jury convicted Conaree resident Garvey Rogers of shooting at one of his fellow villagers.
Rogers appeared before His Lordship Justice Francis Belle at the Basseterre High Court of Justice on a charge of “shooting at with intent”, which was said to have been committed against Kenville Carey on October 20, 2007.
During Carey’s testimony, he said at about 11:05 that night, he was walking along a road in Conaree with Leon Jederon when he [Jederon] took off running; the reasons for which he did not know. Carey said that he continued, walking during which time he saw the accused running towards him and he sought refuge next to a bus. He further explained that shots were fired in his direction but he was unhurt. He added that he went back to the scene sometime later and saw a hole in the bus beside which he sought cover.
The virtual complainant said with conviction, that he saw the face of the shooter and identified him at Garvey Rogers. He also explained that he knows the accused for some 15 years and they went to school together during their childhood.
Lead prosecutor Reynold Benjamin, in presenting his closing address, asked the jury to remember that Carey was able to positively identify Rogers as the shooter. He further asked them to infer that Rogers meant to cause grievous bodily harm to Carey when he shot at him.
Representing the accused, Chesley Hamilton sought to impress upon the jury the likelihood that Carey may have mistaken the shooter for Garvey. He also explained that there is no evidence to indicate that the fired shots were directed at Carey.
The jury retired for deliberations sometime after 11:00 yesterday morning (June 18) and returned some hours later with a guilty verdict. They were divided 10-2.
Justice Belle deferred sentencing and the convicted man is to return to court on Monday, June 22, 2009.
Little more than one year ago, Garvey was found guilty of committing the attempted murder of Devon ‘Junie’ Robert. The incident occurred in Conaree on October 29, 2007.
He was sentenced to 10-years detention at Her Majesty’s Prison.
