Twenty-year-old McNeil is alleged to have murdered internationally renowned handbag designer Harl Taylor between Saturday November 17th and Sunday, November 18th, 2007.
The discovery of Mr. Taylor’s body, which sent shockwaves throughout the community, came only two days after College of The Bahamas Dean Dr. Thaddeus McDonald was found beaten to death in his home on Queen Street, a stone’s throw from Mr. Taylor’s West Hill Street home.
McNeil, who was deported from the United States, was arraigned on the charge in a Magistrate’s Court back in August 2008.
The case was transferred to the Supreme Court by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.
When he appeared in the high court last Friday, McNeil again pleaded not guilty to the brutal slaying.
His case will open in the Supreme Court on June 29th at 10am before Senior Justice Anita Allen.
Hoping to secure bail for his client until then, attorney Jomo Campbell, who was holding for Wayne Munroe "humbly submitted" that having been on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison for the past five months, the accused would have served an additional six months behind bars before the scheduled trial date.
Mr. Campbell further argued that the defendant is not a flight risk, that his travel documents are in police custody, that all of his relatives reside in New Providence and that it was highly unlikely that he would commit an offence.
The attorney also pointed out to the court that McNeil had no pending matters and that it was "highly unlikely" that he would interfere with any of the 28 witnesses scheduled to appear in the case.
"I ask that the court bear in mind the large number of witnesses. It is highly likely that this trial will take some time," he said.
"I also ask that the court balance the fact that there is a presumption of innocence. Prior to being on remand, he was gainfully employed at the Cove Restaurant, Paradise Island. It is our humble wish to grant him bail to continue the path he was on prior to this matter. He has also taken steps to secure counsel at a very costly price."
But the Prosecution strongly objected.
Arguing its side was attorney Darnell Dorsette, who told the court that there were substantial grounds that the accused would fail to surrender to custody or appear in court.
"We also submit that evidence against the accused is strong. There is DNA evidence linking the accused to the crime…. We also submit that there has been no unreasonable delay in this matter," Ms. Dorsette said.
In the end, Supreme Court Justice Jon Isaacs sided with the prosecution and denied bail.
McNeil will remain on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison until the trial date.
