By FRANCIS JOSEPH
Warren Small never had the chance of enjoying his freedom from prison. After spending almost six years in prison awaiting trial for a double murder, Small was acquitted on June 5 and released from the Maximum Security Prison, Arouca. He was met outside the prison by his attorneys, Colin Selvon and Anastasia Weekes.
However, it would seem that his past caught up with him on Sunday. Small, also known as “Quincy” and “Blacks,” was shot and killed on Sunday near Joseph Trace, Maracas, St Joseph
While no motive has been established over Small’s death, Police believe his past, as well as questionable interaction with certain persons may have led to his brutal death. No one has been yet been arrested.
FREEDOM
Small’s death comes 16 days after Madame Justice Nalini Singh, on June 5, ruled that the State had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Small was the gunman responsible for the death of Darrie Simon and Sharlene Ramkissoon at Acono Junction, Maracas, on March 3, 2020.
Simon and Ramkissoon were at the shed at the corner of Maracas Royal Road and Acono Road, at around 4.15 pm when they were hit by a volley of shots fired by gunmen. Both died at the scene.
During the judge-alone trial, the prosecution’s case rested heavily on the testimony of an eyewitness who claimed to have recognized Small after a bandana covering the shooter’s face slipped during the attack.
However, Justice Singh found the evidence unreliable. The court noted that the gunman’s face had been largely concealed by a hoodie and bandana, the observation was made during a chaotic and traumatic incident, and the witness, Joseph Tinto, had only a brief opportunity to view the suspect.
The judge also highlighted inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts. While one witness claimed to have recognized Small, another did not identify him and provided a different description of the gunman. The court further criticized investigators for failing to conduct an identification parade and for shortcomings in the investigation.
Justice Singh also pointed to the evidence of another eyewitness, Celine Rebeiro, who did not identify Small and described the gunman as wearing dark shades, a detail inconsistent with Tinto’s account.
The State was represented by prosecutors Shervon Noriega, Rebecca Trim-Wright and Khi Cambridge, while Small was defended by attorneys Colin Selvon and Anastasia Weekes.
