By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A VERDICT is expected today in the attempted murder trial of a man accused of shooting a former schoolmate.
The nine-member Supreme Court jury is expected to deliberate on whether Edward Johnson, of Fleming Street, attempted to murder Likkerson Dolson on July 18, 2012.
Justice Vera Watkins will summarise the case before excusing the jury to decide on a verdict.
In closing addresses to the jury yesterday, Geoffrey Farquharson, Johnson’s lawyer, invited the panel to return a not guilty verdict.
He argued that the Crown had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that his client, who had claimed he was at home when the shooting happened, committed the offence.
Farquharson said the complainant’s testimony and that of the police investigators were unreliable and inconsistent.
Prosecutor Maria Zancolla disagreed and said the Crown witnesses were truthful in their testimony at all material times.
Ms Zancolla told the jurors that the defence would have them believe that the prosecution and the police made up the entire case and allegation against the accused.
The prosecutor said Mr Dolson, while in hospital, had picked out the accused among 12 photos shown to him of possible suspects concerning his injury.
Mr Dolson testified that Johnson crossed in front of him as he was walking along Market Street and he noticed that Johnson had a black handgun in his back pocket.
When he stared at the weapon, Johnson turned around and asked him what he was looking at.
“I sucked my teeth and walked in front of him,” Mr Dolson said.
Johnson allegedly said, “You ‘mussy’ want me shoot you,” as he allegedly pulled out the gun and shot Mr Dolson in the stomach.
Johnson, when interviewed in police custody, denied the allegations but admitted that he knew Mr Dolson as that they had attended the same school.
If convicted of attempted murder, Johnson faces up to life imprisonment.
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