The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN ongoing trial yesterday delayed the testimony of an investigator in another case in which a man is accused of aiding the fatal stabbing of the teenage son of convicted drug traffickers Dwight and Keva Major.

Sergeant Jamal Evans, of the Central Detective Unit (CDU), was called as a Crown witness in the afternoon session of 35-year-old Kervin Neely’s abetment to murder trial to give evidence concerning his role in the investigation into the murder of Enrico Major on June 1, 2014.

However, when it appeared that the detective was not present, prosecutor Aaron Johnson informed trial judge Justice Bernard Turner that the witness was likely also before another judge in another case.

The jury was then excused for more than 30 minutes when legal discussions between the judge, Crown and defence counsel were held in their absence.

Sgt Evans was present for the jury’s return and when called before the judge, he confirmed that he was giving evidence before Acting Justice Cheryl Grant-Bethel that was to be completed on Tuesday morning.

Justice Turner told the detective that he had hoped to do the same. However, he said, it would only be fair to allow the officer to complete his evidence before his fellow judge before giving evidence in this case.

Before the delay, the jury heard the testimony of Detective Constable Niketa Pickstock who said he had filmed the interview of Sgt Evans and Neely, which he downloaded to a compact disc (CD).

It is alleged that Neely purposely aided Dwayne Peter Lockhart in committing murder.

Enrico Major, the alleged victim, was walking south on Baillou Hill Road near S C McPherson Junior High School when he was held up and stabbed in the head and back. He was 17 years old.

Lockhart, before the trial had started, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 years in prison.

Neely, however, has maintained his innocence and has retained Glendon Rolle to defend him.

When cross-examined by Mr Rolle, Constable Pickstock was asked if he made Neely aware that his interview was being recorded.

The officer said he did not do so nor was there any indication on the computer screen in the CDU interview room that the session was being filmed.

In the morning session of the trial, the Crown called a teenager to the witness stand who recalled seeing Neely at a washhouse near the area before the fatal incident.

The witness, who was known to the deceased, testified that he had met up with Major on the day in question when making a second deposit to a web shop account for his mother.

On the return home, the pair came across Peter Lockhart who convinced a group of men with him to attack them, the jury heard.

The witness said he and Major ran in the direction of a barbershop and were followed by Lockhart, who was in a brown Maxima driven by the accused.

The witness then recalled seeing Lockhart swing his hand at his friend behind the establishment and Neely getting out of the car and running in that direction. However, the witness said he didn’t see Neely do anything.

The witness, in cross-examination, denied being confused about where the incident unfolded and its details.

The jury, as a result of the witness’ testimony, asked to visit the crime scene.

The trial resumes today.