ST JAMES, Jamaica – Despite his attorney’s claims that the Crown’s case lacks merit and that his client was acting in self-defence, Dailando Bailey, the lifeguard accused of strangling his brother Oshaine Bailey to death in September of last year, must now present his case in a superior court.

This comes after the St James Parish Court ruled on Wednesday that he has a case to answer.

Bailey, 24, appeared before trial judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley for a committal hearing on Wednesday. After carefully reviewing her notes, the judge determined that the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant transferring the case to the St James Circuit Court.

Smith-Ashley then presented Bailey with a renewed bail offer in the original amount of $600,000, requiring up to two individuals to serve as sureties under the same terms.

The case was then transferred to the St James Circuit Court for further proceedings, with a mention date set for September 19.

Police had reported that the brothers were at home on September 12, when an argument developed over a bill. It escalated into a physical altercation during which it is alleged that Dailando choked his brother until he became unresponsive.

Oshaine was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Dailando reported the incident to the police, which led to his arrest.

Bailey was represented by attorney-at-law Henry McCurdy in the lower court, who will also represent him in the High Court.