BVI Court Commits Four To Stand Trial In McMillen Murder
William Labrador, a 36 year old businessman from South Hampton, NY has been committed to stand trial for the murder of Lois Livingston McMillen, 35, part-time Model/Artist of Connecticut, USA. Ms. McMillen reportedly left her Belmont, West End home on the night of January 14th and her body was found along the seashores of the Drakes Highway in West End a day later.
BVI Magistrate Gail Charles also ruled on Friday August 11 that three other Americans - Alexander Benedetto, Michael Spicer and Evan George should stand trial for the offence of being accessories after the fact to the murder and for conspiring to pervert the course of justice. Ms. Charles committed them on the basis of her finding that a prima facie had been made out. She however denied applications for bail requested on behalf of Benedetto, Spicer and George.
The preliminary inquiry into the murder of Lois McMillen started with sworn depositions given by witnesses the prosecution called on June 5, July 25-28 and August 2. During the hearings, the prosecution called 15 key witnesses, including policemen and the pathologist. The accused were arrested on suspicion of murder on January 15, charged on January 19 and appeared before the Magistrate the same day. They were then remanded to Her Majesty's Prison at Balsam Ghut, since according to the Magistrate's Code of Procedure Act, the Magistrate may not grant bail to persons charged with murder.
They are now at Her Majesty Prison awaiting trial in October, the next date when criminal cases are heard before the High Court of the Territory. Alexander Benedetto is a 35 year old publisher of books from New York City, NY, Michael Spicer is a 36 year old Law Student from Virginia, USA and Evan George is a 23 year old Construction Worker from Washington, DC, USA.