Four men accused of the 2018 murder of Jerrell Aris-Mendez, have been committed to stand trial at the next sitting of the Port of Spain Assizes.
Shakeem Charles, Joseph George, Paul Williams and Isaiah Pantin, appeared before Magistrate Busby-Earle Caddle via video conferencing on Monday 18th May 2020, where the matter was determined.
The matter was adjourned to Monday 15th June 2020, for the accused to give an indication of whether they will be giving evidence at the Port of Spain Assizes.
According to official police reports, the victim, 27-year-old Jerrell Aris-Mendez of Fatima Trace, Laventille, was hired to transport four men with his vehicle, into the Cascade area around 11:50 am on Monday 20th August 2018. While at Bagatelle Extension Road, Diego Martin, the passengers—two of whom were armed with firearms—announced a robbery. A struggle ensued, resulting in Jerell Aris-Mendez being shot several times about the body. The suspects escaped on foot and the victim died at the scene.
The four accused subsequently were arrested and charged with the offence on Wednesday 29th August 2018, while Charles and George faced additional charges of possession of firearm and ammunition.
They appeared before Acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Nannette Ford-John in the Port of Spain 5th Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 29th August 2018 to answer to the charges.
