Shrewsbury murder case could get 'special sitting'

Western Bureau:

The two policemen who are charged with murder arising from a controversial shooting in Shrewsbury, Westmoreland, in 2013, will know on November 14 whether the Trelawny Circuit Court will grant the holding of a special sitting to accommodate their case.

Constables Kenroy Hines and Damane Campbell, who are both charged in connection with the deaths of brothers Andrew and Triston Brydson and their cousin Kingsley Green, were given the designated mention date and had their bail extended when they appeared before presiding High Court Justice Carol Beswick on Monday.

Erroll Chattoo, director of complaints at the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) western regional office, told The Gleaner that the November 14 mention date was set for a determination to be made regarding the proposed special sitting, as well as confirmation and scheduling of a trial date.

"The matter is set for mention on November 14, as the court wishes to determine if they are going to be holding a special sitting of the Circuit Court for this matter since the trial has not started yet," said Chattoo.

"We are also waiting till the next mention date to hear if they have a firm trial date. There is mention of June 10, 2019, for trial, but it is not set in stone," added Chattoo.

The Brydson brothers and Green were killed on March 15, 2013, by members of a police team who claimed the men had engaged them in a shootout. However, the police's account of the incident differed from those of the men's relatives and other residents, who mounted roadblocks across three parishes, demanding justice.

The case's progression to trial has been stalled by several setbacks dating as far back as March 7, 2014.

Hines and Campbell are currently represented by attorneys Valerie Neita-Robertson and Peter Champagnie.