Zakers acquitted of murder
By Terresa McCall
Reporter – SKNVibes.com
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NOT GUILTY: Gregory Anthony Zakers
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Gregory Anthony Zakers, one of the accused in the murder case of 16-year-old Josh Smithen, left the courthouse close to 9:00 last evening a free man as he was acquitted by the jury.
Following a five-day-long trial, the seven-man/five-woman jury retired for deliberations at about 4:45 yesterday afternoon and did not return with a verdict until almost four hours later.
Zakers, along with co-accused Fitzroy Challenger and Jamal Bradshaw, stood as the jury was asked of its findings. Obviously nervous, Zakers listened attentively as his fate was being read. The jury unanimously found him not guilty of the crime he was charged.
Presiding Judge, Justice Francis Belle, having heard the jury’s decision, offered a few words of advice to Zakers, after which he was given his freedom.
“Stay out of trouble. Stay away from jam sessions. Get back in school or do something positive with your life…” Belle told the 20- year-old.
Zakers left the courtroom in the arms of his mother and sister who were both overwhelmed with joy at the return of their loved one. ~~Adz:Right~~
SKNVibes, the lone media house present at the reading of the verdict, spoke with Zakers’ mother following his exoneration.
“I am feeling great to have my son back home in my presence. God answers prayers”, Zakers’ mother told SKNVibes.
Zakers also spoke to SKNVibes and expressed that after spending the last year and a month away from his family, he is happy to be free. “I feel great. I have been away from my family for one year and one month. I feel very happy.”
Challenger and Bradshaw, however, were returned to Her Majesty’s Prison as the jury was unable to decide whether or not the two were guilty of murder. They were separated 9/3. Owing to this, the case has been traversed and should be heard again at the May 2008 Criminal Assizes.
When the case is next called, the Crown will have to prove that both Challenger and Bradshaw committed the September 8, 2006 offence.
Police reports indicate Smithen died as a result of a stab wound to the head, which, according to the prosecution, was inflicted with an ice-pick-like object.
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