'Bunny' Francis' accused killers remanded
Published:Thursday | July 28, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Two of the three men charged with the murder of 66-year-old businessman Roderick 'Bunny' Francis appeared yesterday in the Gun Court section of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.
They are 42-year-old Carlos Batista, of the Dominican Republic and 36-year-old Sheldon Watson, of a Kingston address.
They have been remanded to return on August 17. The third accused was not brought to court.
Francis, CEO of B&D Trawling Limited which is involved in the conch industry, was fatally shot by gunmen just outside his home in St Andrew on June 25. He was taken to hospital where he later died.
The prosecution, in outlining the allegations, said Batista, who is married to a Jamaican, had the contract to kill Francis. It was also disclosed that there were threats on the life of a judge and a relative of the deceased Francis.
A motor car which was used in the shooting incident was allegedly given out by Batista and Watson to be repaired.
Defence lawyer Peter Champagnie, who is representing Batista, said he was going to make a bail application when his client returns to court. Champagnie said he would also be applying for the statements in the case to be served on the defence.