The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE absence of key witnesses to the killing of a woman, who was shot through her boyfriend’s bedroom window, resulted in the prosecution discontinuing the case against three men accused of the murder.

Yesterday, prosecutor Linda Evans entered a nolle prosequi before Justice Vera Watkins indicating the Crown’s intention not to continue the prosecution of Allan Knowles, Anthorn Smith and Owen McKenzie at this time.

The three were charged with the September 17, 2010, murder of Christeria Brown and attempted murder of Dario Rolle.

Brown was sleeping at her boyfriend’s home at Garden Hills when someone fired gunshots into their bedroom window.

The trial was expected to start on Wednesday, however the Crown was not in a position to proceed and asked for an adjournment on the basis that they were receiving advice from the Attorney General. The request was granted.

In yesterday’s proceedings, prosecutor Evans presented a nolle prosequi (no prosecution) signed by Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson to the court.

Justice Watkins accepted the directives and told the accused men that regarding the current trial, the Crown would discontinue the case against them.

However, the judge informed them that the Crown had the right to reintroduce the charges at a future date if they wished.

Smith was represented by lawyer Murrio Ducille while McKenzie was defended by Michael Kemp and Knowles by Bernard Ferguson, Jr.