Duo freed of 2-y-o’s murder as witnesses claim frustration
Published:Wednesday | April 13, 2022 | 12:10 AM
Two men who were charged with the execution-style killing of a two-year-old boy in downtown Kingston in 2016 were recently freed of murder after the two main witnesses, including the boy’s father, opted to end the matter, claiming it took too long to get justice.
The duo, 35-year-old Sheldon Watson, otherwise called ‘Kady’, and 29-year-old Curtis Bell, also called ‘Chacka Bar’, were also freed of charges of illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, and shooting with intent during their trial-readiness hearing in the Gun Court last month.
The toddler, Demario Whyte, was reportedly shot in his forehead at point-blank range during the attack just outside his home on Luke Lane in downtown Kingston on August 23.
Whyte’s father and his cousin were also shot and injured in the attack, which had sparked public outrage.
According to police reports, both men were sitting along the roadway with the child in his father’s arms when a grey Nissan motor car pulled up about 9:30 p.m. and two men alighted with guns, spraying all three individuals.
The father was shot in his right foot, while the other man was struck in his jaw by a bullet.
The attackers then reportedly jumped into the car and sped off.
A policeman who was nearby on foot patrol reportedly challenged the men in an exchange of gunfire but they escaped unharmed.
The attack was reportedly said to be a reprisal for the killing of Kevin Osbourne.
Following investigations, both men were arrested and charged.
However, on the date of the hearing on March 29, the prosecutor advised Justice Leighton Pusey that the two main witnesses indicated that they did not wish to proceed further.
As a result, the judge was told that the Crown was unable to mount a defence against the two defendants.
The judge consequently offered a formal verdict of not guilty after the Crown offered no evidence against the men.
Whyte, in his statement, said that he wanted the matter to be disposed of because of the length of time that it was taking, while his cousin argued that the proceedings were a waste of time.
Attorneys-at-law Patrick Peterkin and Mikael Lorne represented Watson and Bell, respectively.