McMillen Preliminary Inquiry Continues
The preliminary inquiry into the alleged murder of American Lois Livingstone McMillen continued in the Magistrate's Court here Wednesday after a two-day break. The p.i. resumed last week Tuesday and a total of 10 witnesses were called by the prosecution.
The body of Ms. McMillen was found washed up on the Sir Francis Drakes Highway on the morning of the 15th January by a school girl. Four Americans - William Labrador, Evan George, Michael Spicer and Alexander Benedetto have been charged with murder and remanded in custody. The case has been postponed a few times, the most recent from June 5th to July 25th, because the forensic results had not arrived. The inquiry is closed to the public; however, The Island Sun understands that the case is being held even though up to last Friday, the lab report had still not arrived. In the Magistrate's Court last week, 10 witnesses, including six Police Officers and a Pathologist from St. Thomas, USVI, were called to give evidence. The first two witnesses, including one Police Officer, testified on June 5th.
When the preliminary inquiry continued Wednesday, another two witnesses were expected to be called. It is understood that the prosecution has a total of 20 witnesses lined up. The prosecution is being led by Senior Crown Counsel Terrence Williams, associated with David Abednego, Crown Counsel. So far, it is understood that every witness called has been cross-examined by the defence.
Attorney Oscar Ramjeet of the local firm J.S. Archibald & Co. is representing Michael Spicer and Evan George and Alexander Benedetto is being represented by Paul Denis and Nicole McDavid of O'Neal, Webster, O'Neal, Myers, Fletcher & Gordon, also of the BVI. Vincentian lawyer Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, along with Hayden Douglas of the local firm McWelling Todman & Co. are representing William Labrador, while watching brief for the McMillen family is the local firm of Dancia Penn & Co. At the end of the inquiry, the Magistrate will determine whether there is a prima facie case against any of the defendants to commit them to trial.