KINGSTON, Jamaica — A dancer accused of fatally stabbing his fellow group member during a post-rehearsal altercation has been remanded in custody following his appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

Raul Reid, a father of three from Almond Town, Kingston, has been charged with murder.

Reid’s attorney, in presenting arguments to the court, stated that her client was trying to part a fight which broke out following a dance rehearsal as he was the dance marshall. She also disputed witness statements that her client was the one who stabbed the victim.

“Your honour, he is maintaining his innocence. The fact that he was merely called into the station without counsel it shows that your honour that he is responsible, he is cooperative and it shows that he is somebody who would go to the police upon request but also to come to court upon request,” said his attorney, adding that he is a breadwinner for his family and has a stable place of abode.

She also argued that her client has no previous convictions.

However, presiding judge Peter Wilson, after listening to her arguments, noted that the attorney would only receive one opportunity to apply for bail for her client and suggested that she use it wisely.

“Do you want me to consider this as a bail application? You only get one opportunity to bail him out, do you want to use this one? I’m going to deny you that’s clear. The man is charged for murder. I am asking for his fingerprints order so that the court can have an understanding of who he is,” he said.

He is set to return to court on October 21, 2025, when his attorney is expected to make a bail application.

— Vanassa McKenzie