By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
AN ex-US marine appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday accused of the recent near-fatal shooting of a man on Current Island.
Bahamian-American Heath John Henry, 29, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt facing a charge of attempted murder in the attempted killing of Jonathan Rahming on December 30, 2014.
Henry resides between Current Island and Madison, Wisconsin.
Around 3pm on the day in question, Rahming was at his Current Island home, when a man he knew, armed with a handgun, shot him several times in his back before fleeing on foot.
Rahming was taken to the local clinic and later airlifted to hospital in New Providence because of his serious injuries.
“For this offence you are not required to enter a plea,” the chief magistrate told the accused.
Police prosecutor ASP Clifford Daxon told the judge that the Crown intends to proceed with the service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment “once the file is reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office.”
March 9 was the date given to facilitate the transfer of the case to the Supreme Court for trial.
Henry was further charged with possession of dangerous drugs; it was alleged that he was found with two ounces of marijuana on January 2.
The accused denied the allegations, however, and will appear before Magistrate Andrew Forbes on January 26 to learn when he will stand trial for the alleged offence.
On the question of bail, Henry’s lawyer, Michael Kemp, said the drug charge was a minor offence.
He added that his client had ties to the Bahamas, making him a fit candidate for bail.
However, ASP Daxon objected on the basis that the accused had prior convictions of a similar nature with the most recent being in 2012.
The chief magistrate said she would defer the bail hearing for the drug charge. The hearing will be on January 14.
Comments
Loveitorleaveit 9 years, 10 months ago
Why dont you report both sides of a story instead of giving out information that will prejudice the public against him?
Emac 9 years, 10 months ago
Why hasn't this story been disabled for comments like the rest of the stories about criminal matters that are before a judge or magistrate?
redapple 9 years, 10 months ago
Why is nothing written about the fact that Heath acted in self defense!! Jonathan attacked him with a machete! This story is written to portray Heath in such a negative light, without getting both sides of the story. If you knew Heath as I do, you would know he is such a peaceful and compassionate person. He does not deserve this and justice must prevail!
Baha10 9 years, 10 months ago
The problem with the "self defence" argument is that he used a .45 Hand Gun, which in itself is illegal and carries a mandatory term of imprisonment, and you can not shoot someone in the back unless they are fleeing, this was the whole Ferguson "Hands Up" issue, albeit dismissed by forensics.
Alex_Charles 9 years, 10 months ago
wrong you cannot shot anyone in the back ESPECIALLY if they are fleeing
Loveitorleaveit 9 years, 7 months ago
If you don't know the facts please refrain from commenting it only shows how stupid you are.
redapple 9 years, 10 months ago
http://www.gofundme.com/jt8ye4">link text
Read the whole story here
themessenger 9 years, 10 months ago
Lordy, another Ferguson apologist subscribing to the "no mother should have to fear for her sons life every time he robs a store" theory. But then trying to chop someone with a cutlass is different & legal in every way.........................true Ferguson mentality.
duppyVAT 9 years, 10 months ago
Why are we letting this Vet nut cracks in our country???????? Is the US exporting Vet rejects?????
Loveitorleaveit 9 years, 7 months ago
duppyVAT you are so ignorant! Why are you judging him without knowing anything about him or the case? He is not a "Vet nut crack" he volunteers with little black ghetto boys and girls teaching them about God and doing the right thing. He is very spiritual and would never hurt anyone unless his life was threatened. Who have you helped? When did you ever volunteer to help little black Bahamians? One day maybe someone will come at you with a machete and you will defend yourself and then we can all get together and say stupid things about you while you rot in Fox Hill. Have a nice day!! Idiot!!!
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