Man accused of murder in MoBay church ritual now wants jury trial

Andre Ruddock, the man accused of slashing a woman's throat during a church ritual in St James nearly three years ago, is seeking to change his trial format from a judge-alone trial to a jury trial. 

He had previously agreed to the matter being decided entirely by a judge. But his attorney told the Home Circuit Court in Kingston on Tuesday that Ruddock has changed his mind.

Ruddock's trial was expected to start yesterday based on a order on July. However, the matter has now been pushed back for mention on November 15.  

When the case was called, the prosecutor informed the court that witnesses had not been contacted and subpoenas had not been issued. The prosecutor also explained that a police liaison officer had committed to collecting the subpoenas on behalf of the investigating officer, who left the Jamaica Constabulary Force in late July.

Justice Leighton Pusey acknowledged the challenges in securing witnesses but expressed concern over the lack of progress in moving the case forward, given the initial "fanfare" associated with it.

The prosecution suggested an additional month to issue the subpoenas.

Ruddock's attorney, Anthony Williams, stated he had notified the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of his client's wish to switch to a jury trial.

However, Justice Pusey told him that a written application with an affidavit outlining the circumstances of Ruddock's request must be submitted.

Ruddock is charged with the murder of Taneka Gardner, 39, on October 17, 2021, during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James.

Another man, Michael Brown, was also found dead on the church premises.

Ruddock reportedly confessed to Gardner's murder. 

Both were members of the church, led by the late Dr Kevin Smith, who died a week after the incident in a motor vehicle crash while being transported to Kingston to face charges.

Attorney Venice Brown is also representing Ruddock.

Tanesha Mundle

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