Brothers to face murder trial in New Year

Osborne Douglas

(CNS): Two George Town brothers accused of gunning down Jason Powery (20) in gang-related violence last month are scheduled to face trial on 18 January next year, the court heard Friday. Neither Osbourne Douglas (28) nor Justin Ramoon (23) have yet made formal denials regarding the third fatal shooting this year but defence attorney Laurence Ailofi, from Samson and McGrath, who is representing the elder of the two brothers, told the judge that arraignment could not take place until the defence teams were able to view evidence submitted by the crown last week, but that there would be a trial.

The men, who were remanded in custody, are expected to plead not guilty to both murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm when they return to court later this month.

Justin Ramoon

Both Douglas and Ramoon are charged with killing Powery from West Bay on the night of 1 July close to the Globe Bar in the central area of George Town.

Powery was a cousin of David Ebanks, the second victim of gang violence this year, who was also only 20 years old when he was shot and killed outside a local jerk food stand on Birch Tree Hill Road, West Bay, in January. No one has yet been charged with the murder of Ebanks.

The first person to fall victim to ongoing gang rivalries this year was Victor Oliver Yates (22), who was also gunned down outside a bar on 3 January. Yates was shot and killed behind Super C’s bar and restaurant, and although Justin Manderson was charged with the murder, he was discharged by the court on the eve of his trial when the crown revealed none of its witnesses were prepared to testify in court.