The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of the “execution style” murder of Clarence Newry Coakley, who was on bail at the time of his death, was arraigned before a magistrate yesterday.

The prosecution alleges that 23-year-old Kirkwood Rolle, a resident of Smith’s Hotel, is behind the May 7 shooting.

Rolle’s lawyer, Dr Glendon Rolle, argued that his client was not put on an identification parade although the accused claimed he was forced to sign an ID parade certificate granting him permission to participate in a lineup.

Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt noted the complaint before informing the accused that he would be remanded to Her Majesty’s Prisons.

“This is a matter for which this court does not have the jurisdiction to consider bail,” Ms Ferguson-Pratt told the accused. “However, you have the right to apply to the Supreme Court.”

Because it is an indictable offence, Rolle was not required to enter a plea.

It is alleged that he, being concerned with others, intentionally caused Coakley’s death.

The accused was told that his case would be reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office and the matter would likely be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court for trial through service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

This is expected to occur at his next court appearance on August 19.

Coakley, also known as “Drops”, was sitting behind a house on Saxon’s Way in Mason’s Addition when a man armed with a handgun approached him and shot him in his head before fleeing on foot.

Coakley was being electronically monitored when he was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.