Prosecution closes case;
Defence to call witnesses next week
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 |
|
Defence Force Private Louis Richards
|
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOUR days and 21 witnesses after the murder trial of Defence Force Private Louis Richards began, the prosecution has closed its case and his defence counsel will get an opportunity to call witnesses.
Richards is accused of killing 49-year-old Clyde Williams and injuring Addren ‘Ado’ Searles and Jevon ‘Herbie’ Woodley. The incidents involving Williams and Searles occurred at 2Pac’s Bar, Old Road and the one with Woodley occurred at the eastern end of Old Road. These incidents occurred on August 3, 2007.
Earlier yesterday (Oct. 10), the final prosecution witness, Medical Chief of Staff at the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, Dr. Cameron Wilkinson gave evidence in the case on behalf of Dr. Figueroa who administered medical treatment to Addren Searles - one of the young men Richards is accused of wounding with intent.
Dr. Wilkinson gave evidence from Searles’ chart as Dr. Figueroa has since left the Federation. The Medical Chief of Staff explained that on August 3, 2007, Searles was admitted to the Emergency Room complaining of having been shot on the left wrist. He stated that examinations revealed Searles had “intricacy wounds” to his arm with swelling.
An x-ray was done, which, according to the Dr., showed that Searles’ hand had a compound fracture and there was no evidence of foreign bodies present. Dr. Wilkinson further stated that Searles’ hand was placed in a cast and on the following day he was released from the hospital “in stable condition”.
Dr. Wilkinson told the court that Searles received further treatment and a subsequent visit revealed that the wound was healed. He also opined that the injury was caused by gunshot and was “serious but not life threatening”. ~~Adz:Right~~
Speaking on his own behalf, Dr. Wilkinson informed that he treated Private Richards on the same evening (Aug. 3, 2007).
Dr. Wilkinson said Richards went to the Emergency Room (ER) of the JNF General Hospital complaining of having been shot in the buttock and, upon examination, it was discovered that the soldier was in pain and had two wounds - one entry and one exit - over his left buttock and left hip area respectively.
According to the Dr., an X-ray was conducted and it revealed no fractures and also showed that there were no foreign bodies present. Richards was added to Dr. Wilkinson’s surgical service for repair and treatment and remained in the hospital until August 5, 2008 when he was discharged “in stable condition”.
Dr. Wilkinson told the court, in his opinion, the injuries were caused by gunshot and were “serious but not life threatening”.
The burden of proof rests on the prosecution; however, the defence attorney, Jason Hamilton, in maintaining his client’s innocence, is expected to call some four witnesses and the accused may also take the stand and give his account of what transpired on August 3, 2007.
Court resumes on Monday at 9:00 a.m.
Related Articles
Soldier on trial for murder
Woodley says Richards shot him thrice
Defence counsel claims murder accused was threatened by wounded victims!!
