Vincentian on trial for murder in British V.I.

08.FEB.11

The trial of Vincentian Keon Edwards, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of the murder of Monroe Thomas Jr., will commence on Monday, February 21.{{more}}

On Tuesday, February 1, Edwards entered a not guilty plea before Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). He is charged with causing the death of Thomas, who was gunned down on the stairway of a night club in Long Bush, on March 1, 2009.

Edwards, who is on remand, is being represented by Stephen Daniels, while the crown will be represented by Director of Public Prosecutions Elizabeth Hinds and Senior Crown Counsel Christilyn Benjamin.

Reports claim that on March 1, 2009, around 2:15 a.m., Edwards went to Club Diplomat in Long Bush, BVI, where he was denied entry by security guards since he was not properly attired. There was a discussion with the guards, but Edwards then pushed his way into the club. One of the guards then pursued him and this developed into a confrontation between Edwards and the guard, during which blows were exchanged. Others at the club intervened and Edwards was removed from the club.

However, Edwards returned some 15 minutes later, dressed in a different shirt which would have afforded him entry into the club. At this time, Edwards went towards the security guard with whom he had had the confrontation earlier, allegedly in a manner to attack him (the guard). Persons then intervened and pulled him away from the security guard.

Despite this, it is alleged that Edwards still made efforts to attack the guard and after being restrained on a number of occasions, it is alleged that he came within a reasonable distance of the security guard, took a handgun from his waist and started firing shots. Monroe Thomas, who was nearby, was hit with one of the bullets in his neck.

According to the reports, Edwards then went towards his vehicle, while at the same time firing shots. He then fled the scene in a red Dodge vehicle and was not seen again until he was apprehended in the USVI.

Thomas was pronounced dead on the scene by an EMT and his death was later confirmed by a doctor at the Peebles Hospital, BVI.