Progress being made in murder case of St James most wanted – Judge
ST JAMES, Jamaica— Following delays in receiving files for a murder case involving a man who was featured on the police most wanted list, presiding judge, Natiesha Fairclough Hylton said progress is being made.
“When I spoke on the last occasion, the police officers have done some work since then. So, now we have two post-mortem reports ready,” Fairclough Hylton told the accused, 30-year-old Joseph McKenzie otherwise called ‘Geo’, when he made an appearance in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.
When McKenzie, who is from a Second Avenue, Flanker address in St James made an appearance in court on November 25, Fairclough Hylton registered her disappointment, as she blasted the police for their apparent lack of urgency in completing the case files.
Her comments followed the revelation that several documents relating to McKenzie’s charges, including two murder cases, remained outstanding.
READ: Judge blasts cops over slow pace of providing files in wanted man’s murder cases
These cases include the April 6, 2023, murder of 21-year-old labourer Darian Bowman and the April 27, 2024, murder of 28-year-old shopkeeper Randy McNeil.
McKenzie, who has been in custody since August 28, currently has other cases against him before the parish court and the Western Regional Gun Court.
On Wednesday, Judge Fairclough Hylton asked McKenzie if he had settled on a lawyer. However, McKenzie in a subtle voice said he was not given the opportunity to make a phone call.
“I see, but the police officers will assist you. They are going to give you a call now,” assured Judge Fairclough Hylton.
Judge Fairclough Hylton later set a January 8, 2025 date for McKenzie to return to court for the three matters, one of which full disclosure is to be made by December 18.
“You are to be taken back to court on January 8, 2025, Mr McKenzie as there has been some progress,” stated Judge Fairclough Hylton.
McKenzie, who was prominently featured on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesday’s platform as St James’ most wanted man was captured on the Harvey Beach in Coral Gardens, St James on August 25.
He was subsequently charged in September with McNeil’s murder after he underwent a question-and-answer session in the presence of his lawyer.
He was also charged with using a firearm to commit a felony and possession of a prohibited weapon.
