A St Mary woman charged in relation to the shooting and wounding of a male teacher in the parish over three years ago is a free woman for now.
The North Coast Times has learnt that the Crown has decided to a nolle prosequi in the case against the accused woman, Tonelyn Blackburn, alias ‘Teelyn, of Islington, St Mary on February 27.
A nolle prosequi is entered into when the prosecutor concludes that at the time the Crown is unable to provide evidence to mount a reasonable prosecution. The entering of a nolle prosequi by the crown is not an acquittal on the charges and the director of public prosecutions (DPP) has the power to bring back or re-indict the matter.
Blackburn was charged with shooting with intent, wounding with intent, robbery with aggravation, illegal possession offirearm, illegal possession of ammunition and attempted murder.
The Times has further learnt that a crown witness in the matter that is vital to the case cannot be located. The witness was suspected to have gone overseas. However, checks said to have been made with the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) have not determined if she left the island. When she is located, the case against Blackburn could once again proceed.
The charges against Blackburn resulted from a shooting incident at a bar at a fishing beach in Pagee, Port Maria on September 12, 2013, where a school teacher, Clayton Gordon, Blackburn and a girl, who was then 16-year-old went for a drink.
It is further alleged that Blackburn shot Gordon after a dispute developed among the three.
Blackburn, who reportedly met Gordon through the 16-year-old girl, fled with the girl in Gordon’s car. However, Blackburn was named as a person of interest by the police. She turned herself in to the police days later but said her actions were in self-defense.
The girl, who was then 16-year-old, has become a crown witness in the case against Blackburn.
It is understood that the girl is the vital witness who cannot be located, causing the case against Blackburn to not be before the court until she is located.
