BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER approximately one week of hearing evidence, a 12-member jury exonerated Bishu Isaac of the murder charge for which he was being tried.
Yesterday (Oct. 12) – the final day of the trial – began with the prosecution calling its final witness, marking the official close of their case. Closing arguments were heard, followed by summation of the body of evidence by trial judge, His Lordship Justice Francis Belle.
The prosecution’s allegation was that on the night of April 18, 2008, somewhere at the junction of Shear Lane and Central Street, Isaac murdered Tau Gowon by stabbing him with a knife. Their case hinged primarily on two witnesses who told the court that they saw an altercation take place between Isaac and Gowon shortly before his demise. One witness explained to the court that he saw Isaac remove a knife from a food stall table located on the south-western corner of Central Street and Shear Lane, after which the altercation between the two progressed.
The prosecution’s case also relied heavily on the evidence of chief investigator Corporal Carl Greaux, who testified that Isaac turned imself in to the authorities the day after the incident occurred and was fully cooperative with the police. He also testified that a search warrant was executed at Isaac’s home in his presence, which is when he identified the knife he used to stab Gowon.
To the benefit of the defence however, prosecution witnesses testified that during the altercation between the two men, Gowon was the aggressor and he made several advancements towards Isaac who in turn sought to avoid a confrontation or contact with him. Also, although testifying of an altercation between the two men, none of the witnesses said they actually saw Isaac stab Gowon.
At about 20 minutes before 2:00 yesterday afternoon, the jury retired for deliberations and emerged less than three hours later with their verdict. Its members were unanimous on the murder charge and on the charge of manslaughter. of the 12 members found Isaac not guilty.
After the verdict was read, Isaac’s 18-month stint at Her Majesty’s Prison officially ended and he now rejoins his friends, family member and loved ones.
