Suspect charged in Mais killing
Published:Thursday | July 21, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
The police have opted to forego an identification parade for 50-year-old businessman Patrick Powell, who was yesterday charged with the murder of 17-year-old Kingston College student Khajeel Mais.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ealan Powell confirmed the decision yesterday, days after it was first announced the suspect would face such a procedure in the controversial case stemming from a July 1 incident between a BMW X6 driver and a taxi operator.
"We garnered all the evidence that we had, presented it to the DPP (director of public prosecutions) and she believes we have a credible case," ACP Powell told The Gleaner.
The suspect, Powell, of Belgrade Loop, upper St Andrew, is to answer to charges of murder, shooting with intent, illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and failure to produce firearm for inspection.
refused to hand over firearm
According to ACP Powell, one of the difficulties his team faced in the case was the suspect's refusal to produce his licensed firearm.
"I can't remember a case wherein a licensed firearm holder has not wanted to produce his firearm," the senior police officer said.
The businessman is to appear in the Half-Way Tree Criminal Court today.
Sources close to The Gleaner say the suspect, Powell, was born in Jamaica and lived in the United States, where he became a citizen, for about 20 years.
He has, however, been based in Jamaica for the past few years.