The Tribune

By Denise Maycock

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A New Providence man was charged with murder and attempted murder in the Freeport Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with two separate shooting incidents in Grand Bahama.

Tavares Demonte Beckford, 43, of Domingo Heights, Nassau, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson in Court One where he was charged with the January murder of Lester Adderley Sr.

He was also charged with the attempted murder of Omar “Punch” Penn, who was shot and injured last October.

Tajh Brown, 25, of Freeport, also appeared in Court One where he was charged with harbouring a wanted criminal, Beckford, from lawful arrest.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ferguson read a laundry list of charges, which also included possession of dangerous drugs, unlicenced firearm, and ammunition.

In reference to the murder charge, it is alleged that on January 13, at Freeport, Beckford, being concerned with others unknown, intentionally caused Adderley’s death.

Adderley, a well-known musician and businessman, was discovered shot to death outside Gametime, in the former Gwen’s Plaza, which was one of several establishments acquired by his late son, Lester Adderley Jr.

On the attempted murder count, it is alleged that on October 30, 2018 at Freeport, Beckford being concerned with others unknown, attempted to kill Penn.

Beckford was not required to enter a plea to both charges as a preliminary inquiry will be held to determine if there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial for those matters in the Supreme Court.

Brown was charged separately with harbouring a criminal. It is alleged that on May 17, the accused harboured Beckford knowing that he had allegedly committed murder and aided in his concealment. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and elected summary trial.

The men were not represented by counsel. Beckford was asked by the judge about his apparent American accent.

The judge asked: “Are you a citizen of the Bahamas?”

“Yes. I lives in Domingo Heights, Nassau,” he told the judge.

Both men were also charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of unlicenced firearms, and possession of a large quantity of ammunition.

It is alleged that on May 17, Beckford and Brown were found in possession of 15 grams of Indian hemp, with an estimated street value of $75, without having proper authority to possess the same.

Beckford pleaded guilty. He said that the drugs were his and not Brown’s, who pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the particulars read by Prosecutor Sergeant Veron Rolle, on May 17 police executed a search warrant around 4pm at No 82 Rum Cay Close in Hawksbill in the presence of both men. As a result they also went to No 42 Albertha Drive, where they recovered suspected marijuana on a kitchen table and both men were arrested.

Deputy Chief Magistrate ordered Beckford pay a fine of $200 or four months imprisonment. Brown was granted $500 bail on that charge. The two were also charged with four counts of possession of an unlicenced firearm.

It is alleged that on May 17, at Freeport, both men being concerned together were found with a component part of a black .45 magazine.

It is alleged that on same date and place, the accused men were found in possession of a component part of a bronze pistol barrel.

It is also alleged the men were found in possession of a black 40mm Austria Glock pistol with serial number WYM083.

The men were also found in possession of a black and gray .2333mm Anderson AR15 rifle with serial number 17160180.

Beckford and Brown were also charged with three counts of possession of ammunition with intent to supply. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On the issue of bail, Prosecutor Rolle informed the court that the men would have to apply to the Supreme Court for bail in reference to the murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition charges.

After the list of charges were read, Magistrate Ferguson asked the men if they had any concerns or wanted to say anything to the court.

Beckford indicated he would like to request a change of venue and have his matters heard in Nassau as he did not think he could get a fair trial in Grand Bahama. When asked his reasons, he declined to say why he felt that way.

The judge told the accused she was not sure this would be acceded to because the offences occurred in Grand Bahama.

He also asked the judge to make note on his file that he is a Rastafarian. “I do not eat meat, I am a vegan,” he said, explaining that he did not eat any of the food that was given him while in police custody.

Magistrate Ferguson inquired if family members could bring food for Beckford but she was informed that it was prohibited.

The men were remanded in custody and matters were adjourned to August 28.