SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland— Despite a previous psychiatric evaluation that found 19-year-old Garnet Foster Jr fit to answer for killing his father, the court on Thursday asked for another evaluation of his mental status.
"His case requires more attention," said Justice Courtney Daye after repeatedly eyeing a fidgeting Foster Jr.
The boy was clad in a grey, long-sleeved, button-front shirt, his hair caught up in four ponytails.
It had been expected that the teenager, who on July 26 admitted to murdering Garnet Foster Sr, a pastor, would have been sentenced on Thursday.
"I'm not fully understanding; something else needs to be done," said Justice Daye after perusing the material before him.
The case was subsequently pushed back to September 16, which means it will be transferred to the Home Circuit Court as the Westmoreland Circuit Court would have ended its session by then. The teenager has been remanded in custody until then.
On Thursday, Foster's maternal grandfather was present in court but his attorney Dionne Meyler-Bennett was not. Probation officer Sophia Gooden was present via Zoom.
Justice Daye has requested that the psychiatrist who evaluated the teen and the psychologist who will be performing his evaluation be present on the day of sentencing so they can ask probable questions. He has instructed that the second psychological evaluation should be ready by the teen's next court appearance.
He has noted that Foster Jr's relatives and the psychologist have the option to attend virtually.
The boy was 17 years old when he fatally stabbed his father on July 23, 2021. The incident occurred at the family house on Bullet Tree Lane, in Petersfield, Westmoreland.
The 45-year-old deceased was the pastor of the Church of God of the Mountain Assembly. He was also an accountant.
According to the police force's Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), an argument developed between Foster and his son about 5:45 am. A knife was brought into play and used to inflict wounds to Foster Sr's upper body. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
— Kimberley Peddie
HOUSE RULES
- We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
- Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
- We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
- Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
- Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
- If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
- Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
