Don’t speak to anyone about ‘Beachy Stout’ case, judge reminds jurors
Published:Friday | March 1, 2024 | 12:09 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
Justice Chester Stamp again on Thursday pleaded with members of the jury pool not to speak with anyone about the ongoing murder trial involving Everton ‘Beachy Stout’ McDonald and Oscar Barnes.
The trial judge made a special effort to advise the seven-member jury since the juror bribery component became a bone of contention at the just-concluded Vybz Kartel appeal hearing in the United Kingdom.
“Go now and return on Monday ... . Remember my admonition every time we part, which must be taken more seriously now. I know you’ve been taking it seriously, but more importantly, ‘Please, don’t speak to anyone about the case and let no one speak to you’,” said Justice Stamp.
The judge is expected to continue his summation on Monday.
Barnes, 39, and Portland businessman McDonald, 69, are on trial for the July 20, 2020, murder of 32-year-old Tonia McDonald, who was the latter’s second wife.
The near six-month-long trial is nearing completion, and a verdict could be reached as early as next week.
In his summation on Thursday, Justice Stamp reminded the jurors – three females and four males – of the evidence given by the lead investigator in the case.
He reminded them of the date the investigator took control of the case and when he went to Portland to meet with McDonald, who was not yet an accused.
The judge revisited an occasion when the investigator provided sympathy and empathy to the bereaved businessman on the death of his wife.
McDonald reportedly gave the police two phone numbers, one belonging to him and the other for Tonia.
These numbers were significant in the cell-site data provided as evidence by the prosecution.
The jurors heard, in summary from Justice Stamp, how and when McDonald gave two statements to the police and what was included in those statements.
In one of the statements, McDonald reportedly said that his wife found a photo of a woman’s genitalia on his phone and put it on her status.
In another excerpt, McDonald alleged, “People say my wife participated in orgy.”
He also said that his wife loved to party and did so with her best friends, who he named.
The prosecution, in closing arguments, said McDonald wanted Tonia dead because he believed that she was giving him ‘bun’ – a Jamaican term for infidelity.
During the summation, McDonald, dressed in full black with sandals, hung his head.
Barnes, on the other hand, looked on attentively at the judge.
The accused men are also charged for conspiracy to murder.