The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AFTER months of uncertainty surrounding the death of a popular 19-year-old barber, Jamesly Richmond, police have now classified his case as a murder and charged a man in connection with his killing.

Thomas Johnson, 24, was remanded to custody yesterday after being arraigned before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley on charges of accessory after the fact to murder, accessory after the fact to armed robbery, and accessory after the fact to receiving.

Johnson allegedly helped others evade the law following Richmond’s murder and armed robbery on June 23, 2024, in New Providence.

Richmond was reportedly struck by a vehicle near Sanford Drive while riding his black XTZ-125 Yamaha motorcycle, valued at $3,295. His attackers then allegedly stole the motorcycle, leaving him badly injured on the road. He succumbed to his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital on June 25, 2024.

For months, Richmond’s family expressed frustration with the police, claiming authorities had yet to classify his death despite their belief that he had been robbed and murdered. His cousin, Jacques Israel, told The Tribune last August that the family had received no updates on the investigation.

Johnson was not required to enter a plea at this stage and was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was advised of his right to apply for bail through the higher court.

In court, Johnson claimed he was unaware of the charges against him until he arrived and said he did not know who the complainant was. He said the situation was stressing him out.

He further claimed that he had been in custody for the past seven months due to four separate pending armed robbery charges.

Johnson will remain at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his VBI is served on May 29.

Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.