Jurors in Andre Ruddock murder trial begin deliberations
The seven jurors in the Andre Ruddock murder trial in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston have retired to the jury room to deliberate.
They were sent out at exactly 12:46 pm by trial Judge Leighton Pusey to decide whether – based on the evidence they have heard and seen in court throughout the case since September 16 – they believe Ruddock is guilty or not guilty of murder.
Ruddock is on trial for murder in relation to the October 17, 2021 killing of 39-year-old Taneka Gardner.
It is alleged that Ruddock cut her throat at the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James on instructions from his then-pastor, Kevin Smith.
There were 13 witnesses in total in the case. Twelve appeared in the witness box and one witness was agreed by both the defence team and prosecutors which meant that statements and documents from that particular witness were admitted into evidence without him having physically appear in court.
The defence team comprises Anthony Williams and Venice Brown.
On the prosecution’s side, LaToya Bernard and Carolyn Wright represented the Crown.
READ: Decide verdict on evidence, judge tells jury in Ruddock murder trial
