4 to stand trial for 2018 murder

FOUR men have been ordered to stand trial in the High Court by a Port of Spain Magistrate for a 2018 murder.

A release from the police service stated that Shakeem Charles, Joseph George, Paul Williams and Isiah Pantin stoon on Monday before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle via video conferencing where the matter was determined.

The magistrate told the four that a prima facie case had been made out against them on the charge that they murdered Jerrel Aris-Mendez and she committed them to stand trial at the next sitting of the Port of Spain Assizes.

Aris-Mendez, 27, of Fatima Trace, Laventille, was hired to transport four men with his vehicle to Cascade at 11.50 am on Monday August 20, 2018. While at Bagatelle Extension Road, Diego Martin, the passengers, two of whom were brandishing firearms, announced a robbery.

A struggle ensued during which Aris-Mendez was shot several times. The suspects ran off leaving the driver who later died in the car. Four men were arrested and on Wednesday August 29, 2018, they were charged.