Montego Bay: A defense attorney has sharply criticized the police for their failure to process a witness protection application for the sole civilian witness in a high-profile murder case. Michael Williams, 25, also known as ‘Dry Goods,’ of New Ramble, Bogue, St. James, faces murder charges for the fatal shooting of Wesley Robinson, 35, in Ramble on August 11.
During court proceedings, the prosecution disclosed that it had filed an application to place the key witness under protection. However, prominent defense attorney Maurice McCurdy, who represents Williams, expressed frustration when it was revealed that after several weeks, the application had not been submitted to the relevant agency. McCurdy condemned the authorities for the delay, arguing that it jeopardizes his client’s chances of obtaining bail, having already been detained for over four weeks.
Presiding judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton questioned the prosecution about the lack of action, stressing the need for immediate police attention to the matter. “This is a critical issue that should have been resolved promptly,” she remarked, urging the authorities to expedite the process.
McCurdy raised additional concerns, suggesting that the witness might be deliberately avoiding the legal process while his client remains incarcerated. “It seems as though the witness is deliberately not presenting himself while my client is kept in custody. This is unacceptable!” McCurdy stated.
The prosecution also informed the court that the post-mortem report was still pending. A committal hearing date has been set for November 25, and Williams remains in custody.
According to police reports, between 2:20 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the day of the incident, local residents heard gunshots and alerted the authorities. Upon arrival, they discovered Wesley Robinson lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
An eyewitness provided a statement, leading to a warrant for Williams’ arrest. He was apprehended in Bogue, St. James, and has been charged with murder, using a firearm to commit a felony, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
