‘Gio’ to answer to murder charges in January
Published:Friday | December 6, 2024 | 12:06 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Joseph ‘Gio’ McKenzie, who was once on the St James most wanted list, was remanded until January 8 next year when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday to answer to two counts of murder.
St James Parish Court Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, who had previously chided the police for the slow pace at which McKenzie’s file was being completed, set the new court date after the clerk of the court revealed that two post-mortem reports, along with other outstanding documents, are now ready.
“One investigating officer visited my office this morning and submitted some items for the matters that are on the list. The other officer is still on a [training] course; that is what I am told,” the clerk told the court.
“In respect of one of the matters, we already have the post-mortem report, and certainly a date can be set for hearing. I believe it is only a medical report that we are awaiting. In respect of another matter, I received an escort statement, and that is on file as well as the scene-of-crime statement and CD. And the post-mortem in respect of this matter is ready, although I do not have it in my hand.”
“At least we now have two post-mortem examination reports on file…there is some amount of progress,” replied Fairclough-Hylton.
“Mr McKenzie, it appears that from when I spoke on the last occasion, the police officers have done some work since then, so now we have two post-mortem reports being ready.”
During McKenzie’s previous court appearance on November 25, Fairclough-Hylton harshly criticised the police for not demonstrating enough urgency to complete the case-file, despite the defendant having been in custody since he was formally charged in September.
McKenzie was on the police’s most wanted list for the April 6, 2023, murder of 21-year-old labourer Darian Bowman and the April 27, 2024, murder of 28-year-old shopkeeper Randy McNeil.
OTHER CHARGES
During Wednesday’s court sitting, it was disclosed that a post-mortem report relating to an additional matter for which McKenzie has been charged remains outstanding.
It was also revealed that McKenzie, who was featured on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays programme before his arrest, is also facing charges in the Western Regional Gun Court for which he has not secured legal representation.
After outlining all the matters involving the cases against McKenzie, Fairclough-Hylton set the January 8 court date, and remanded him until that time.
According to reports concerning Bowman’s death, on April 6, 2023, motorists travelling along the Flanker main road in St James saw Bowman running and bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds. A Jamaica Defence Force unit took him to the hospital, where he died while being treated.
In relation to McNeil’s death, reports are that on April 27 this year, he was walking along the Flanker roadway when he was pounced upon by a gunman who shot him several times. McNeil was later pronounced dead at hospital.