West Bay man denies killing Yates

Scene of the murder of Victor Yates in West Bay 3 January 2015

(CNS): Justin Devon Manderson (22) pleaded not guilty Friday to the murder of Victor Oliver Yates when he appeared in Grand Court for arraignment. Manderson is charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm in connection with the gang-related shooting at a local West Bay restaurant. Yates was gunned down outside Super’C’s restaurant on Water Course Road in the early hours of 3 January. Manderson who will now face trial on 13 July was remanded in custody.Defence attorney Prathna Bodden, who is representing Manderson, asked for a trial date in May but the crown claimed that, as a result of the complexities surrounding outstanding forensic evidence reports, it would not be ready for May.

Despite Manderson’s lawyers objections, not least because he is in custody, the judge agreed to the crown’s request for a two week trial in July but warned that must be a firm date. He also ordered that the crown disclose all its forensic evidence to the defence within eight weeks.

Although Yates is not believed to have been a gang member, his killing triggered a spate of violence associated with West Bay gangs, including the murder of David Ebanks (20) at a jerk chicken stand near Kelly’s Bar on 23 January, in Birch Tree Hill Road. Although arrests have been made in connection with that killing, police have not charged anyone with the murder.

It is understood that Ebanks, whose step-father is serving police officer, was not the target of the gunmen that evening.