DPP ends case against ‘Balo’ murder accused

UPDATED STORY:

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, SC, has discontinued murder proceedings against Kenneth Pierre, the last of several men committed to stand trial locally for the murder of United States citizen Balram “Balo” Maharaj.

Notice of the discontinuance was dated October 27, and signed by Gaspard. According to the notice, the DPP exercised his powers pursuant to the provisions of section 90 of the Constitution. Indictments were filed for Anderson Straker, Ricardo “Stevo” Stevenson, Kevin “Shaka” Nixon, Pierre, his brother Wayne “Ninja” Pierre, Christopher Sealy, also called Michael Bourne and Christopher “Boyie” Bourne after they were committed to stand trial in the local courts.

All but Stevenson and Kenneth Pierre were extradited and the latter was the last person to be remanded for Maharaj’s murder.

The indictment against Stevenson was also discontinued in the Port of Spain High Court in 2014, before Justice Maria Wilson, who also presided over the matter against Kenneth Pierre.

Sentenced in the US after they were extradited for hostage-taking resulting in Maharaj’s death and conspiracy to commit hostage-taking resulting in death were Jason Percival, who was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment; Russel Joseph, 11 years; and Winston Gittens, ten years. Leon Nurse, a former defence force soldier, was sentenced to ten years and six months. They all pleaded guilty and entered a plea bargain with the US in exchange for their testimonies.