Man’s murder case moved to High Court
THE case against Tyrese Hunter, the St James man who reportedly confessed to the 2023 shooting death of 34-year-old vendor Akeem Robinson, which was caught on CCTV footage, has been transferred to the St James Circuit Court.
When the matter came before the St James Parish Court on Friday, Presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton informed the court that a prima facie had been established, which means that the Crown had enough evidence to send the case to the High Court for trial.
Hunter, a 20-year-old mechanic from John’s Hall who is represented by attorney-at-law Jillian Haughton, is charged alongside 19-year-old Andeno “Deno” Burnett of Irwin, who is represented by attorney Chumu Paris.
Hunter was remanded in custody until July 22 when he will appear in the St James Circuit Court.
Regarding Burnett, the prosecution is awaiting a statement from an eyewitness. As such, his case was set for mention in the parish court on May 9. He was also remanded.
The deceased, Robinson, who originally hailed from Burnt Savannah in St Elizabeth, was shot in broad daylight on November 23, 2023 on Fustic Avenue in Montego Bay, St James.
Police had reported that Robinson was sitting on the road sometime after 2:00 pm when he was approached by a man on a motorcycle who pulled a gun and opened fire at him. Robinson was shot in the head, following which the gunman escaped on the motorcycle.
Robinson was subsequently taken to Cornwall Regional Hospital where he died while being treated.
The Montego Bay Criminal Investigation Bureau initiated an investigation, using canvassing and CCTV, to identify and track down the suspect.
Hunter was apprehended on December 4, and the motorcycle believed to be linked to the crime was found in his possession.
Prior to his arrest in this case, Hunter was granted bail by the Western Regional Gun Court in September 2023 for a firearm offence.
Burnett, who was previously arrested in March 2023 for possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition, was also arrested and charged with Robinson’s murder following police investigations.