Portland brothers accused of killing vendor freed

Two Portland brothers accused of the 2019 shooting death of a female vendor were today freed of murder and gun charges in the Portland Circuit Court.

Seriko Russell, otherwise called 'Pantro', and Maxwell Russell, also called 'Bigga', were found not guilty of murder, shooting with intent, and illegal possession of firearm by a seven-member jury following a month-long trial before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes.

The victim, Sandra Gordon, 52, of Diamond district, Buff Bay, was shot and killed on March 13 along Oliver Street in Buff Bay, Portland about 8:15.

Following investigations, the brothers were arrested.

The prosecution was alleging that the brothers murdered the woman in retaliation over a dispute that Maxwell had with Gordon's spouse.

Seriko, when cautioned, had reportedly told the police, “A Second Avenue mi deh wen mi hear bout dat”, while his brother, when cautioned, offered no comments.

However, during the trial, no evidence was found linking them to the murder.

Attorneys-at-law John Jacobs and Michael Deans represented Seriko while Tamika Harris and Cecile Black defended the other brother.

- Tanesha Mundle

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