Supect’s ability to plead at issue in child burial case

(CNS): Travis Jarrel Webb’s ability to answer charges of attempted murder and cruelty to a child was questioned in Grand Court Friday as a result of possible mental health problems. Webb (26), who is currently on remand at HMP Northward, was arrested and charged after a shocking incident in November, and now stands accused of trying to bury a three-year-old child alive in a Bodden Town yard. During his brief appearance lawyers told the court that the case could not progress until he had undergone psychiatric assessment. The judge adjourned the case until February to allow the reports to be completed.

The incident came to light after a member of the community alerted the police, who were able to get to the yard quickly enough to rescue the distressed toddler and give him oxygen as they waited for the ambulance which transported the boy to the emergency room. Webb was arrested and charged shortly afterwards.

The police commissioner has raised significant concerns that the details of the incident, including the suspect’s connection to the child, were all exposed on social media before the case was investigated, undermining the integrity of the judicial process and the victim’s loss of anonymity.