KINGSTON, Jamaica – A man who was charged with the murder of a taxi operator is now free after prosecutors indicated that a nolle prosequi was entered for the matter on Tuesday in the Supreme Court.

Craesna Samuda was released on the basis that the Crown is unable to get a particular witness to appear before the Court.

The facts of the matter are that on February 19, 2018, the deceased Damion Bartley, who was a taxi driver that plied the Gregory Park route in Portmore St Catherine, picked up a passenger requesting to be brought to the Portmore Villa housing scheme.

After entering the housing scheme and driving for a short while, it is believed that Samuda, who was allegedly the only passenger in the backseat, said “right yah suh, mi general.”

However, after the vehicle stopped and Bartley waited on the man, who is believed to be Samuda, to exit the vehicle, an eyewitness – who was seated in the front passenger seat – reportedly said she heard “two loud explosions sounding like shots (were) being fired behind her.”

It was also alleged that the killer fled the scene on foot.

Bartley was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Presiding judge, Justice Leighton Pusey, upon receiving the nolle prosequi, advised Samuda that he was now a free man.

“Mr Samuda, the Crown has entered a document… what is really important is that they have discontinued the case. So, in relation to this matter, you are a free man,” Justice Pusey said.

Justice Pusey went on to caution the man that if this witness is located, then he will be brought back to court for prosecution.

– Candice Haughton