The police officers accused of beating a now deceased father of six were back in court Thursday, but their case did not proceed.
The Desmond Key case has generated much publicity since last year.
Key, who had been in a comatose state ever since his alleged encounter with the pair, died last month.
As Key’s relatives made final preparations for his burial this weekend, they once again came face to face with the men police say brutally beat him while he was in custody last June.
Corporal Donavon Gardiner, 35, of Flamingo Gardens, and Constable Tavares Bowleg, 31, of Garden Hills, appeared before Magistrate Susan Sylvester in court number 11 on Nassau Street Thursday morning.
Last August, Gardiner was charged with intentionally and unlawfully causing grievous harm to Key on Sunday, June 17, 2007.
Bowleg was charged with abetment.
In August, both officers pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following Key’s death, police were reportedly considering whether to bring additional charges against the two officers.
But on Thursday, Murio Ducille, who represented Gardiner, told Magistrate Sylvester he was unable to continue representing the officer as his assistant had a close connection to the deceased. Attorney Wilfred Moss represents Bowleg.
Magistrate Sylvester adjourned the case to April 10 to allow Gardiner to find new representation, as well as give prosecutor Inspector Elaine Neely time to determine what new charges – if any – will be filed against the officers.
Meantime, Key’s relatives said they are still heartbroken by the loss and although he had been near brain dead for more than half a year – according to doctors – they are still are struggling to cope with his death.
In an interview with the Bahama Journal following his death, some of Key’s relatives said although they knew his condition was grave it was still difficult for them to come to terms with news of his death.
"I believe that because of my great faith in God I am standing strong," said Verona Bastian, his grandmother.
- Austin DWI - New York DWI