By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
THE Supreme Court trial into the armed robbery and murder of a Bertha’s Go-Go Ribs employee was halted yesterday by the absence of one of three men being tried in connection with the fatal shooting.
Wayde Rolle Jr, 26, Leonardo Wright, 32, and David Rolle, 40 are charged with murder under Section 291 (1A) of the Penal Code, Chapter 84 concerning the September 8, 2009, murder of 44-year-old Nelson Goodman.
A charge under this section attracts the discretionary death penalty a Supreme Court judge is given by the law, if a jury returns a guilty verdict. Life imprisonment is the alternative punishment.
Goodman was gunned down outside the Poinciana Avenue, Coconut Grove establishment having been robbed of $200 belonging to the company just before midnight.
Notably absent from yesterday’s proceedings was Wayde Rolle, who is not on remand.
After legal discussions in the absence of the jury, Justice Vera Watkins informed the 12-member panel: “As the result of the absence of the defendant, I must adjourn the case until tomorrow.”
“It is expected that he will be here tomorrow morning and we will be able to proceed,” the judge added.
Lessiah Rolle represents Rolle Jr, while Wright and Rolle are defended by James Thompson and Anthony Forbes.
Vernal Collie and Abagail Farrington are prosecuting the case.
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