The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Court Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THREE men were remanded yesterday in connection with a series of armed robberies in the nation’s capital.

Keyon Willams, 25, Martin Smith, 26, and Jamaal Taylor, 25, represented by Alphonso Lewis faced Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr.

Williams faced three counts of armed robbery, three counts of attempted armed robbery and three counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Smith faced a count of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Taylor faced a single count of attempted armed robbery while all three accused faced additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on February 18, Williams and Smith, while armed with a black handgun, robbed Chrystal Moultrie of $2,125.40 in cash belonging to the Super Wash on Charles Saunders Highway. The accused are charged with threatening the life of Ashley Minns during the robbery.

Then on February 21, Williams, being concerned with another, is accused of the armed holdup of another Super Wash where he stole an undetermined amount of cash from employee Tanya Moller.

Williams is accused of the armed robbery of a Rubis Service Station on February 24 with a silver coloured handgun when $263 cash was stolen from Tracy Lewis.

On February 27, it is alleged that Williams and Smith attempted to rob Canton House Chinese restaurant on Prince Charles Drive as well as China Garden Bar on Joe Farrington Road. It is further said that these accused endangered the lives of Shanny Murphy and Li Xinjuanin in these attempted robberies.

All three are accused of attempting to rob Ivy Weise on March 3 of cash belonging to the Super Wash on Carmichael Road west.

It is further alleged that later that same day, after fleeing the scene, the suspects were apprehended on Faith Avenue by authorities. They had a black Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with the serial number erased. The confiscated weapon is said to have had five unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Due to the severity of the charges, the accused were not required to enter a plea at that time. They were informed that this matter will proceed to the Supreme Court. The accused were also told that while the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail they had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

The men are expected to appear in the Supreme Court on May 2 to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment.