A former assistant commissioner of police who once managed the constabulary’s Forensics Laboratory was yesterday called by the prosecution but punched a hole in the state’s case with testimony that supported the defence’s claim that police killed seven youths in a shoot-out in March 2001.

Donald Wray testified that he went to the death house at 1088 Fifth Seal Way, Braeton with Deputy Superintendent Maurice Goodgame of the Bureau of Special Investigations about six hours after the shooting occurred and found evidence which suggested that shots were fired from inside and outside the house.

“I counted about 20 bullet holes from the outside to the inside,” Wray said under examination by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewelyn. “I counted five bullet holes from the inside out. There was a double panel window, which would be the front bedroom window, which had a bullet hole of .38 calibre from inside the front bedroom towards the outside.”

He said that the holes left by bullets that entered the house were consistent with 5.56 mm shells or those fired from an M-16 assault rifle. The holes left by bullets that were fired from inside to outside matched the size of a .38 revolver or a 9mm pistol.

Wray also told the court that he searched the building and found bullet fragments and casings and bullet holes in walls, windows, doors, a table, the kitchen sink and a curtain.

Six policemen – Sergeant Raymond Miller, Corporal Linroy

Edwards, and constables Leighton Bucknor, Wayne Constantine, Miguel Ebanks and Devon Bernard – are on trial for the non-capital murders of Andre Virgo, 19; Lancebert Clarke, 19; Dayne Whyte, 20; Tamayo Wilson, 20; Curtis Smith, 19; Christopher Grant, 17; and Reagon Beckford, 15.

Police say a team led by Senior Superintendent Reneto Adams, former head of the now disbanded Crime Management Unit, went to the house on March 14, 2001 in search of wanted men and guns. The police say upon their approach to the house they were met with gunfire. The cops say they returned the fire and the seven youths were killed. Four illegal guns were taken from the house, police say.

Human rights groups and members of the Braeton community have hit out at the killings and after reviewing the case file, Director of Public Prosecutions Kent Pantry ruled that the policemen should be charged.

Wray will continue his testimony when the trial resumes on Monday.