Accused freed, key witness now charged with Venezuelan’s murder
Just two days after the charge of murder of Venezuelan Juan Carlos Cuanaro was withdrawn from Sheon Veira, the key witness in the case was charged with the offence.{{more}}
In a sharp turn of events, which unfolded at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, January 3, the prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Station Sergeant Colin John, acting on instructions, withdrew the murder charge against Veira.
On Wednesday, key witness, Otricia Smart, of Greggs, was charged with Cuanaroâs murder, just a day after she took the stand to give testimony at the Preliminary Inquiry.
Veira, a resident of Ratho Mill, was on July 19, 2010, charged with the murder of the 37-year-old Cuanaro.
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.
Before Smart could take the oath, she informed the court she was not feeling well and was excused to have some fresh air outside the courtroom.
After a while, Inspector Adolphus Delpesche had a conversation with the witness and then with John. At that point, John requested a meeting in chambers with Chief Magistrate Sonya Young. Shortly after the meeting concluded, the court reconvened and John announced that he was withdrawing the charge against Veira.
Another Venezuelan, 34-year-old businessman Douglas Effencuanuno Chinios, was also in the apartment at the time of the murder. He sustained gunshot wounds to the fingers on both hands. (KW)
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