Veira, Smart to stand trial for murder of Venezuelan man

Sheon Veira and Otricia Smart will appear before a judge and jury to answer to a murder charge when the next sitting of the Criminal Assizes begin.{{more}}

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young, on Tuesday, May 3, found that there was sufficient evidence for both accused to be tried for the murder of Venezuelan Juan Carlos Cunaro on June 22, 2010.

The prosecution, led by lawyer, Station Sergeant Colin John, placed 11 witnesses on the stand to testify in the matter, including the brother of the deceased, Douglas Effencuanuno Chinios.

Veira and Smart were also charged with maliciously wounding Chinios by allegedly shooting him in the hand, causing him to lose part of his left pinky finger.

On June 22, 2010, Cuanaro was shot and killed at his Ratho Mill apartment during an alleged robbery. He sustained gunshot wounds to his right side and chest. His brother Chinios was also in the apartment at the same time when he was murdered.

Smart is without counsel in the matter, while Carlyle Dougan Q.C. and Grant Connell represent Veira.