[UPDATED] Carenage men charged with shooting at police in Big Yard

TWO men have been denied bail on numerous charges arising out of the incident at Big Yard, Carenage, two Fridays ago, which left three people dead, including a 14-year-old girl.

Dequan Dyall, 21, and Christian Eve, 31, both of Big Yard, appeared before Port of Spain magistrate Sarah De Silva on seven charges, including possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life; shooting at PCs Kevon St John, Oesi Charles, and Ricardo Peltier with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a firearm user’s licence.

Dyall, a plumber who works with his father, came to court on crutches, owing to injuries he suffered in the incident, and was allowed to remain seated in the prisoners’ dock while the charges were read out to him and Eve.

The men were charged on Wednesday night after their attorneys issued pre-action protocol letters to the Commissioner of Police signalling their intention to approach the High Court to have the police justify the men’s lengthy detention.

Their attorney, Seana Baboolal, in her application for bail, asked for reasonable bail to be granted, saying they were presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Baboolal said Dyall, who had one previous conviction for marijuana possession, for which he paid a fine, still needed medical treatment, while Eve, despite his pending matters, was the sole provider for his family.

However, the prosecution objected to bail citing ongoing investigations – which Baboolal objected to, saying it was prejudicial – and the fact that there was a strong likelihood, because of the seriousness of the offences, they would interfere with witnesses, abscond or reoffend, if granted bail.

The police prosecutor also submitted that Eve’s antecedents were similar in nature and allegedly took place over a period of time. He also disclosed that he has been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the firearm and ammunition charges.

He also said Dyall will be treated at the prison infirmary or taken to the hospital if necessary.
After standing down the matter for a few minutes, De Silva returned, denied the men bail and ordered them to return to court on May 23, at which time the police will produce the exhibits, which include the firearms, ammunition and spent shells, so they can be recorded into evidence by the magistrate.

De Silva noted that it was unconventional not to have the exhibits brought to court by the charging officer on the first day of the matter, but she was told the items were in the possession of a senior officer who was doing one of three parallel investigations into the incident, and would have been sent to the Forensic Science Centre for testing. The exhibits also include medical certificates and blood samples.

The prosecutor admitted that the matter “had some complexity” because of the separate investigations.

On May 3, three people were killed at Big Yard, in an exchange of gunfire with police. Those who died were: Naomi Nelson, 14, a student of Mucurapo West Secondary School; Keron Eve; and Kareem Baldwin Roberts.

Three others were injured, including Christian Eve, Dyall and Renaldo Sandy.

The police claimed they were shot at while undercover officers were on patrol in the area. The shooting sparked outrage from residents and the police, with help from the regiment, maintained high visibility in the days after the incident.

This story was originally published with the title "No bail for 2 charged with shooting at police in Carenage" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

POLICE have charged two Big Yard, Carenage, men with shooting at the police and possession of a gun and ammunition arising out of an incident there two Fridays ago which left three people dead, including a 14-year-old girl.

The two – Dequan Dyall and Christian Eve – appeared before Port of Spain magistrate Sarah De Silva in the 4B Court on multiple charges which include shooting at three police officers with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm and ammunition to endanger life and possession of a firearm and ammunition without a valid Firearm Users Licence. The alleged offences took place on May 3.

Both men were denied bail and were remanded to return to court next Thursday, when the prosecution is expected to produce the exhibits in the case, which include the alleged firearms and ammunition.

The two were represented by attorney Seana Baboolal.

Three people were killed on May 3, at Big Yard, Carenage, in an exchange of gunfire with police: Naomi Nelson, 14, a student of Mucurapo West Secondary School; Keron Eve and Kareem Baldwin Roberts.

The police have claimed they were shot at while on patrol in the area. The shooting sparked outrage from residents and the police, with help from the Regiment, maintained a high visibility in the days following the incident.