May 15, 2024
Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Jamaica
NEWS THE COURTS

MAN CHARGED IN DEADLY FAITH’S PEN ATTACK

RM rejects argument that knife was for work

Lawyer says prosecution’s case is weak

 

A man who the St Ann police took into custody for questioning in relation to the deadly gun attack on a couple in the parish two weeks ago has been slapped with multiple charges.

He is Patrick Sterling.

Sterling has been charged with murder arising from a gun attack on a couple at their home in Faith’s Pen in the parish on August 13. Forty-one-year old Linette Graham was killed and her common law husband seriously wounded.

Graham’s common law husband was shot multiple times, but survived the attack and is recuperating.

In addition the the murder charge, Sterling is also charged with illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, arson, wounding with intent and shooting with intent.

STAYS LOCKED UP

Sterling appeared in the St. Ann’s Bay Resident Magistrates court last Thursday, August 28, but was remanded into custody until September 18, when the case will again be mentioned.

The case file again Sterling is incomplete.

The accused man is represented by attorney at law Ernest Smith who is expected to renew a bail application when the case returns to court.

The case against Sterling was heard in camera before resident magistrate Calys Wiltshire. Prior to members of the public being asked to leave the courtroom, the accused man’s lawyer said the prosecution’s case was weak.

It was earlier report that on August 13, the couple was at their house in Faith’s Pen in St. Ann when they heard a knock on the door about 1:30 a.m. They reportedly opened the door but were attacked by a group of men who were armed with guns.

Graham’s common law husband tried to escape his attackers and reportedly ran to a neighboring premises. Police said he was chased and shot several times. It’s is further reported that the man returned to his house after the gunmen left and he realized that his house was on fire.

He reportedly found his common law wife lying in the yard in a pool of blood. She was shot at least twice. An alarm was raised and the police notified. The wounded couple was transported to hospital where Graham was pronounced dead and her common law husband admitted.

Police said they launched an investigation and Sterling was later taken into custody for questioning in connection with the deadly gun attack. He was charged.

-30-