Extradition proceedings to begin today for 59-year-old Clarendon farmer

Extradition proceedings are expected to begin today in a St Andrew court for a 59-year-old farmer who has been on the run from US authorities for 21 years.

Arnold Gabbidon, who reportedly attempted to kill his common-law wife in the US, was nabbed by local police authorities on Wednesday in his Rhoden Hall community in Clarendon. 

He is scheduled to appear before the Half-Way Tree Resident Magistrate’s Court today.

A statement from the Corporate Communication Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force says following the capture, he was interviewed and then the police arrested him under the Extradition Act of 1991.

Gabbidon is wanted in the US for five offences.

He is wanted for assault with intent to murder, threat to commit the crime of murder and burglary with an assault on a lawful occupant.

The farmer is also being sought on charges of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and for creating mayhem

It's reported that in 1994, Gabbidon attempted to kill his common-law wife by using a knife to cut her throat and stabbing her several times while she slept. 

He then allegedly left her in the house to die, but she survived the ordeal.

A warrant was then issued for his arrest on January 14, 1994, by a court in the state of Massachusets.

However, Gabbidon fled to Jamaica where he has been hiding up until his capture by members of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team. 

US government records show that he had been convicted for various crimes prior to 1994.