A murder accused received encouraging words from his loved ones before being remanded into custody to await the commencement of his preliminary inquiry.

“Don’t worry about nothing,” a woman said to Romano Andrews of Diamond after conveying to him an “I love you” message which was sent by another female who was on the phone.

Andrews, better known as ‘Russian’, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Senior Magistrate Colin John on January,4, where he was not required to plea to the indictable charge that was laid against him.

Andrews is charged that on September 7, 2023 at Buccament, with malice aforethought caused the death of Jovanne Baptiste of Rose Place by an unlawful act.

The 29 year old was said to have been killed at 8: am while on his way to the Sandals Resort in Buccament where he was employed as a labourer.

Baptiste, who was the 37th murder victim of 2023, was said to have sustained 16 gunshots about his body, and died within the vicinity of the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School. Residents claimed that a shadowy figure was observed lurking in the area before the shooting occurred.

The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Serious Offences Court to next Monday, January 8, 2024.