October trial for Ruddock accused of slashing woman’s throat in bizarre church ritual

Andre Ruddock, accused of slashing the throat of a woman during an alleged church ritual in St James nearly three years ago, is scheduled to begin his trial on October 22.

The highly anticipated trial is expected to last until November 11.

The date was fixed today when Ruddock appeared in court and was further remanded.

On October 17, 2021, Taneka Gardner, 39, was killed during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James.

A man identified as Michael Brown was also found dead on the compound of the church.

Ruddock was taken into custody by the police following a bizarre series of events that ended in the deaths of the two individuals and reportedly confessed to Gordon's murder.

Ruddock and Gardener were both members of the ministry, headed by the late Dr Kevin Smith.

Gardener was introduced to the church by her aunt, while Ruddock was employed by Smith to take care of his animals, including 17 goats and three cows, and to perform other jobs around the church.

Brown was a member of the church at the time of his demise and was suffering from a health issue, which resulted in tubes being attached to his body.

On the day in question, Smith reportedly told Brown, “You have to die, but you will rise again because I am the resurrection and the light.”

Thereafter, Smith reportedly pulled the tubes out from Brown, who then bled to death.

Smith died a week after the bizarre incident in a motor vehicle crash while he was being transported to Kingston to be formally arrested and charged with murder and other offences related to the alleged sacrificial ritual.

Attorney-at-law Anthony Williams and Venice Brown are representing Ruddock.

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