Man accused of killing 3-y-o boy willing to represent himself in court
Published:Thursday | June 13, 2024 | 11:49 AM
The man accused of killing three-year-old Asher Campbell in Pagee, St Mary, on May 29 has indicated to the court that he is willing to represent himself at his trial.
Thirty-three-year-old Devon Williams was without legal representation when he appeared in the St Mary Parish Court on Tuesday to answer to the charges of murder and wounding with intent.
When the matter was called up for mention, Parish Judge Nicole Kellier asked the investigating officer whether the accused had any legal representation.
The investigating officer told the judge that Williams did not have a lawyer, but was quick to add that the father of the accused man was seeking an attorney to represent his son.
However, Williams interjected and told the court that he would very much like to represent himself, as, in doing so, the truth will come out and it will set him free.
Williams, who is accused of killing Asher and injuring six other people during an attack, recently returned from the United States, where he was reportedly living with his mother.
Armed with a knife and a metal pipe, Williams allegedly launched an attack, killing the three-year-old child, while wounding six other people.
It is understood that Williams, who is believed to be mentally ill, told investigators that he heard voices instructing him to kill.
In court on Tuesday, the judge inquired whether Williams had received any psychiatric treatment or evaluation and was told by the investigating officer that an evaluation was done at the Annotto Bay Hospital.
However, he said the evaluation report was at the Islington Police Station where Williams was being held.
Williams was remanded and an order was made for his father or any other relative to be present at the next court sitting on Thursday.
- Gareth Davis
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