Before a 12-member jury can begin to hear evidence in the case of Cordell Farrington, who is facing five counts of murder in one of Grand Bahama’s most notorious mysteries, Senior Justice Anita Allen must make a crucial ruling.
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Cordell Farrington |
On Monday, she met in closed chambers with Farrington’s attorney Ramona Farquharson and Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Grant-Bethel on how each side proposes for the matter to proceed.
The prosecution wants to try each case separately as it relates to the slayings of Mackinson Colas, DeAngelo McKenzie, Junior Remy and Desmond Rolle – four of five missing boys who disappeared and eventually turned up dead. Farrington is also charged with the murder of 22-year-old Jamal Robbins, who was reportedly his friend.
If the defence has its way, there would be one case for Farrington to be tried for the deaths of all five males.
Justice Allen is expected to deliver her decision on the matter this morning when court resumes at 11am. According to the public prosecutor, the judge’s decision would determine how many witnesses the prosecution would call to testify.
If the judge rules in their favour, prosecutors hope to first present evidence against Farrington as it relates to the murder of Robbins. They would then present evidence as it relates to the murders of the missing boys in separate cases.
Before meeting in private with the judge, Ms. Farquharson said she needed more time to have all of the case submissions put into writing.
Two years ago, the case of the missing boys left Grand Bahama – and the entire country – shocked and eventually dismayed when months after the young boys disappeared Farrington was arrested and charged with their murders.
Their remains were discovered on a remote part of east Grand Bahama.
But according to authorities, the body of the first boy to be reported missing, Jake Grant, was never found. Police had to send the remains abroad for DNA testing and positive identification.
In other court news, preparations were made on Monday for the beginning of the court case into the murder of nurse Joan Lunn, who was killed in the Princess Margaret Hospital a few years ago while tending to a patient.
A 12- member jury was selected and testimony is expected to begin this morning.
Kendon Brown and Monty Thompson were both charged with murder in connection with the nurse’s killing. Her demise sparked a flurry of upgraded hospital security measures.
The case is expected to begin at 11am.
