By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
NEARLY 12 years after his infant daughter died in Eleuthera, a man was acquitted of manslaughter this week in a case long delayed by court backlogs.
Blounand Vedrine, 37, was found not guilty by a nine-member jury following three days of testimony before Justice Dale Fitzpatrick.
Vedrine was accused of accidentally causing the death of five-month-old Berlindia Vedrine in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, on September 6, 2013. The infant was reportedly found with bruises and other injuries to her body.
The case was among many stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended trials and led to significant delays in the judicial system. It was not clear up to press time what caused delays before the pandemic.
Previously scheduled to be heard by Justice Gregory Hilton in December 2024, the case was reassigned to Justice Fitzpatrick after Justice Hilton’s appointment to the Court of Appeal.
Vedrine appeared visibly relieved following the jury’s verdict.
He was represented by Murrio Ducille KC and Bryan Bastian.
Tylah Murray and Timothy Bailey served as prosecutors.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.