The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN arraigned on a murder charge yesterday alleged that police forced him to sign a confession he did not voluntarily give.

Jahmaro Edgecombe, 21, of Water Street was escorted into the Nassau and South Streets Magistrate’s Court Complex to stand trial before Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes concerning the June 21 killing of Kenyari Lightbourn.

Edgecombe was charged with murder under Section 291 (1)(B) of the Penal Code, which does not attract the discretionary death penalty if a conviction is reached at the end of the trial.

Edgecombe is accused of intentionally causing the death of Lightbourn, who, on the day in question, was shot multiple times while walking through his neighbourhood of Woods Alley, off Market Street.

Lightbourn died at the scene of the shooting.

The chief magistrate told Edgecombe yesterday that he would not be allowed to enter a plea to the charge until he is formally arraigned before a judge in the Supreme Court where his matter will be tried.

He was further informed that at his Magistrate’s Court reappearance on September 16, he would be served with a voluntary bill of indictment that would transfer his case to the Supreme court.

Before his remand to the Department of Correctional Services, Edgecombe’s lawyer, Ian Cargill, made a number of concerns known to the magistrate.

“The defendant has advised me that while in police custody, he was beaten by Officer Miller and two other officers whose name and numbers he does not recall,” the lawyer said.

“He was forced to sign statements he did not give to police,” Mr Cargill further alleged.

“I take it then Mr Cargill that in accordance with Section 20 of the Evidence Act, when this matter is before the Supreme Court, you would make the necessary objection?” the chief magistrate asked.

The lawyer said he would, but wanted the record to also reflect that when his client requested medical attention, he was denied it.

“He complains of burst eardrums and that he was beaten on the chest and stomach. He was in pain,” Mr Cargill said.

“So his request for medical attention is a cautionary one?” the magistrate asked. “Yes,“ said the lawyer.

“Also, after 48 hours in custody, he requested to see an extension order. No extension order was produced for him or myself to justify his detention for 96 plus hours. We have to make these issues known at the first available opportunity otherwise when it goes to the other place, it will be challenged as only a fabrication,” the lawyer stressed.

The chief magistrate noted the complaints and further ordered that Edgecombe be seen by a physician at the prison.