The two men accused in the recent massacre in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, which left eight people dead, were remanded in custody today when they made their first appearance before the Gun Division of the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.
Dushane Smalling, 28, also known as “Snowman”, of North Street in May Pen, and Leighton Whyte, 32, also known as “Bands”, of Havanah Heights, are each charged with eight counts of murder, eight counts of shooting with intent, eight counts of assault by use of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon and lawful possession of ammunition.
When the men appeared in court today, an application was made to transfer the case to the Home Circuit Court.
The men are scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court on September 16.
They are accused of the deaths of seven-year-old Aiden Bartley, 48-year-old Roger Messam, 40-year-old Magaret Bonner, 26-year-old Cavel Daley, 20-year-old Diamond Bennett, 68-year-old butcher Errol Stewart, also known as “Wagga”, 33-year-old Jermaine Boothe, also known as “Blacks”, and 50-year-old Lawrence Francis.
It was reported that on the day in question, at around 8:45 p.m., the two accused, along with the deceased Steve Smith and other men, all of whom were injured with handguns, drove into the community where a birthday party was taking place and shot at a group of people.
Eight people were killed and nine injured in the shooting, including a one-year-old toddler.
After the shooting, the three men reportedly left the scene in the same car they had arrived in.
Smalling was arrested after turning himself in, while Whyte was arrested while making a complaint as part of his bail conditions.
Attorney Kemar Robinson is representing Smalling, while Dwight Reece is defending Whyte.
– Tanesha Mundle
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