Cop accused of murder takes stand as witness disappears
KINGSTON Jamaica -The continuation of Constable Rushon Hamilton’s murder trial stalled in the Home Circuirt Court Wednesday as the cop gave an unsworn statement claiming innocence.
The trial was expected to continue with the prosecution’s final witness, ex-policeman Constable Michael McDonald but he did not turn up for court.
Subsequently the prosecution asked for an adjournment until midday for McDonald to be brought to court.
Justice Llloyd Hibbert apologised to jurors telling them that McDonald’s name has been called throughout the trial and that it was only fair to hear from him.
Hibbert however added that the court could not wait indefinitely on McDonald. A warrant was issued for his arrest last week when he failed to show up then.
The prosecution then closed its case after it was unable to locate McDonald.
Hamilton is accused of the murder of 14-year-old Jhaneal Goulbourne who was abducted outside her Harbour View home on October 24, 2008. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Potentially damaging evidence was brought in court against Hamilton including that he confessed to the murder to a cellmate and asked for assistance in St Mary to help dump a body.
Hamilton, giving evidence from the prisoners dock, explained to the jurors that he was not taking the witness box because he needed to say some things unhindered.
“Mr Foreman and members of the jury I am innocent of these charges,” Hamilton said. “I could not and would not do something like this”.