Follow this - Successful conviction to be used as template for cops

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

The conviction of four men implicated in the November 18, 2006, massacre of several members of a family in Granville, St James, has now become a celebrated case for the police, who will be using it as an example to enhance the investigative capability of the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB).

"It was an excellent piece of investigation by the team. The preparation and presentation of the case, plus the level of intelligence gathering, confidentiality, and the manner in which the witnesses were secured was first class," said Senior Superintendent Wilford Gayle, who has responsibility for CIB investigations.

According to Gayle, cases like this will be referenced when training young detectives so as to enhance the investigative capability of the CIB. While not commenting specifically on this case, head of the CIB, Assistant Commissioner Ealan Powell, is imploring detectives to be thorough in their investigations and to leave no stone unturned.

"They should make the best use of every piece of information and ensure that it is thorough," stressed Powell.

On Wednesday, the four persons accused in the Granville incident, Alroy Shaw, Ricardo 'Stickman' Taylor, Rick 'Tappa Rat' Thorpe, and Silvan 'Penguin' Green appeared at the St James Circuit Court. An 11-member jury returned a 10-1 majority verdict, finding the men guilty on one count of murder.

The men were charged in connection with the killing of four family members and the injuring of three others. The dead were identified as Lyris Ellis-Johnson, 43; her son, Curtis Wilson, 17; daughter, Kaya Wilson, 18; and stepson, Troy Johnson, 15.