Man to face Circuit for murder in Lewis

A St. Ann man who reportedly fatally stabbed another man in Lewis District in January 2012 is to stand trial in the St. Ann Circuit Court  in May. The case against Andean Kalash was committed to the May sitting of the Circuit following the completion of the preliminary hearing last Thursday, January 15, before resident magistrate Andrea Thomas. The accused man was told that his case has been committed to the higher court for trial. When asked if he wished to make any statement, Kalash responded “I reserve my defence.” Kalash has been on bail since 2012. However, he was told that he needed a new bail bond. He was offered the same bail, $350,000. As part of his bail he is to stay away from the Lewis area, report to the police Mondays to Saturdays and surrender his travel documents.  A stop order is also in effect for him. He is accused to fatally stabbing Troy White, also of Lewis district. In court on Thursday, two witnesses for the prosecution gave evidence. Consultant pathologist with the Ministry of National Security, Dr. Parehasarathi Mani during his evidence said White died of hymonostrate stab wounds to the chest. He said the right side of White’s lung was punctured as a result of the wound he received.  Meanwhile, the investigating officer, detective corporal Damion Laing said the accused was charged in February 2012 following a question and answer session with his attorney. Some 91 questions were asked of the accused. The policeman testified that on the night of the stabbing (January 6, 2012) he visited the St. Ann’s Bay hospital where he saw the deceased White lying on a slab with what appeared to be a stab wound to the right side of his chest. He said after speaking with White’s relatives he was told that ‘Navar’ was responsible for the killing. The policeman said he made several attempts to locate Navar whose correct name he later learnt was Andean Kalash. He said the accused turned himself in to the St. Ann’s Bay police on February 11, 2012. He said after he identified himself to the accused and cautioned him he responded “Officer a him attack me and me defend miself.”.  Kalash is to report to the St. Ann Circuit on May 18.