The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court jury heard on Friday that a witness identified one of two men on trial concerning a murder that occurred on a national holiday.

According to Inspector Frederick Taylor, the witness - who is a minor - selected Dennis Mather at the nine-man identification parade on August 12, 2011.

Mather, 24, and Ormand Leon, 25, are on trial for the July 10 Independence Day fatal shooting of Hanna at Wilson Track.

Hanna was shot twice in the chest and three times in his right arm and died of his injuries at the scene.

Leon and Mather deny murdering Hanna and are respectively defended by Terrel Butler and Damian Whyte. Darnell Dorsett is prosecuting the case.

In Friday's proceedings before Justice Bernard Turner, Insp Taylor said that Mather waived his right to have an attorney present during the 2011 identification parade.

He said that Mather had no objection to the eight other participants in the parade who had similar physical characteristics.

During questioning by Mather's attorney, Insp Taylor insisted that Mather signed and agreed to the parade. He also denied Mr Whyte's suggestion that the other participants of the line-up were not of like characteristics.

"Whose responsibility is it to ensure that the make up of the parade is similar to the suspect?" Mr Whyte probed.

"That is my job, but I always asked the suspect if they are fine with the line up," Insp Taylor answered.

The trial resumes on Monday.