The college student who is charged for the murder of one of his college mates is to return to court on January 8, next year when his case will again be mentioned. Rushane Smikle, 19-years-old, of Fraserwood near Highgate in St. Mary appeared before Resident Magistrate Andrea Thomas in the St Ann’s Bay resident magistrates court on Thursday, December 4. However, the case was put off until next year as his lawyer was not present in court. Smikle was charged earlier this year for the murder of Moneague College student Xavier James of Buckfield in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. James was fatally stabbed just meters away from his house in Buckfield on May 24. Reports are that there was an altercation between James and Smikle in Ocho Rios on May 24. James was reportedly talking to a friend when he was allegedly pushed by Smikle. An argument developed and James was reportedly chased by Smikle towards Buckfield where he was caught and stabbed. James was a first year business student at Moneague College. Several other men were also alleged to have been involved in the attack on James. Police said they were searching for those men. Smikle’s bail has been extended until his next court date.
