On Monday, we told you about the attempted murder trial which was supposed to start in the court room of the Chief Justice.
The accused, Ricky Valencia and Akeem Thurton, are being tried for the attempted murder of the prime minister's law partner attorney Rodwell Williams, which happened on May 30, 2010.
What makes this trial even more compelling, is that the new legislation, which allows for murder and murder-related offenses to be tried without jury, will be applied and tested in this particular case for the first time.
Today's continuation of the trial from Monday saw very little development. Valencia was finally able to secure legal representation by hiring the services of Attorney Arthur Salvdivar.
When Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin addressed Thurton about the situation of his attorney, Thurton told the court that he has had no success in finding a lwayer.
Chief Justice Benjamin then called Thurton's mother to have her explain why he had not been able to get an attorney. Thurton's mother said that she has been making attempts to find her son an attorney, but they are still having difficulties.
Chief Justice Benjamin then asked for the input of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal, to make a submission in relation to Thurton's unrepresented status.
Vidal addressed the court saying that this a serious offense, and the accused should not be tried without an attorney. She added, however, that the matter needs to be addressed, and she asked that the court choose a fixed date for trial to start.
Chief Justice Benjamin took her submission in to consideration and decided that the fixed date for this trial to start, without any further adjournments, is February 27, 2012. Chief Justice Benjamin addressed the court that whatever the status of the accused persons is, the trial will move forward on that date.
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