The Tribune

THREE alleged culprits in the fatal shooting of a police officer were charged with firearm possession and causing “public terror” two days later after their respective interviews with the chief investigator, a jury heard yesterday.

Inspector Elsworth Moss said that on March 29, 1999, he interviewed Stephen Stubbs, Andrew Davis and Clint Evans in connection with the shooting of Constable Jimmy Ambrose outside the Club Rock, and all three denied involvement in the matter.

Following the interviews, he received certain information from Dr Duane Sands concerning the constable. The following day, March 30, he went to the Rand Morgue where Jimmy Ambrose was identified.

Inspector Moss said around 3pm on the same day, he received additional information with regard to an identification parade and charges of “possession of firearm with intent to endanger life” and “causing public terror” were brought against the three men.

The investigating officer said that on April 1, he received additional information from a doctor and a death certificated from a police sergeant.

A week later, on April 8, the three accused were charged in connection with the murder of Constable Ambrose.

Charges

The men each face a charge of murder and attempted murder.

Evans is separately charged with two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.

It is claimed that on the day in question, the three accused murdered Constable Jimmy Ambrose and attempted to kill Constable Marcian Scott.

It is also alleged that Evans possessed a firearm with intent to put Constables Frank Burrows and Calvin Robinson in fear for their lives.

All three men denied the charges and pleaded not guilty when formally arraigned.

Stubbs is represented by Murrio Ducille and Jerone Roberts. Davis and Evans are represented by Ian Cargill and Romona Farquharson-Seymour respectively.

Stubbs denies

In yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Roy Jones, Inspector Moss was called to the witness stand by the prosecution.

The investigator testified about his interview with Stubbs at 8.10am on March 29 in the presence of ASP Hutchinson, when the suspect was cautioned about the incident and asked if he needed an attorney.

Moss denied threatening Stubbs, using force or offering promises or inducements.

Stubbs purportedly said, according to the record of interview that was read in court, that although he had an attorney, “I ‘aint do nothing, I will answer the questions.”

Stubbs was asked if he had been to Club Rock on the late night/early morning in question. He said he was there from around midnight with a man named “Darren”.

He was asked if anything occurred while he was at the club, and his answer was “I ain’t really sure, I think they had a fight.”

Stubbs denied involvement in the fight, explaining that he and Darren entered the club after paying $20 at the entrance. He said he noticed the club goers walking outside and followed suit.

“I saw Clint Evans beating up one fella” Stubbs said, adding that Evans had a gun and he heard one shot followed by more shots.

Stubbs said he knew that because he was there, police would come after him, so he went up to the police, pulled up his shirt to show them he was not armed and was not involved.

Stubbs said he didn’t know the man whom he and others were looking at was a police officer.

When asked if he wished to give a statement on what transpired, Stubbs said his record of interview was his statement.

Davis denies

Inspector Moss said Davis was interviewed at 10.55am and did not object to said interview although his attorney was unavailable at the time.

When questioned, Davis said he was at Club Rock, having “hiked” a ride there at “12.”

He was asked if anything happened at the club while there and he said “Me and one Raider fella” got into a fight after the man shouted “Raiders” in Davis’ face and flashed his hat bearing the gang insignia.

Security broke up the fight before the “fella” and others left the club and stood outside, he said.

Davis walked behind the barricades then heard shots before taking off, he said.

Davis said he saw an armed officer he recognised and went over to the officer, who then carried him back to the club and to the body of a man on the ground.

“Officer Ryan told them to hold me,” Davis said.

When asked about having a gun in his hand, he said “I ain’t had no gun.”

Evans denies

The investigating officer said an interview was held at 1.55pm with Evans, who requested his attorney.

When attempts to find a lawyer were unsuccessful, Evans requested to have a relative present for his interview with police.

The interview resumed at 3.15pm, when Evans told police he was at Club Rock, having arrived around midnight.

A man named “Jason” had come with him, but left to pick up his girlfriend.

When asked if anything occurred at the club while there, Evans said “A fight broke out while I was in the club”, but that he was not involved.

Evans said he left club and was walking when people began saying he looked like “one of them”. He said he was then attacked by some men. Evans declined to say anything further without a lawyer.

Why wait a week?

The investigator was cross-examined by Murrio Ducille, who asked the officer if he spoke with a certain witness, and the several officers who were witnesses to the event.

Moss said he did not but had seen the witness’ statement and the reports of the officers.

“So you interviewed Stubbs before reading (the witness’) statement?” the attorney asked.

“Yes sir” Inspector Moss answered.

When asked why he didn’t interview Stubbs a second time, Moss said “I didn’t think it was necessary.”

Moss admitted to charging Stubbs with a misdemeanor – “causing public terror” – but said he did not recall what happened to the other charge that was brought against him.

Mr Ducille asked the investigator if there was an explanation as to why, after receiving all the information he did, he charged Stubbs a week later with murder when he could have done so earlier.

“Cause I chose to,” he answered.

Mr Ducille suggested to the investigator that he acted on the instructions of the Attorney General’s Office. The inspector disagreed with this.

The trial resumes today.