McMillen Murder Trial to begin in November
The Virgin Island Supreme Court will begin hearings in the McMillen murder trial in November, it has been announced here. The case is one on the list down to be heard during the October criminal assizes, which began here Tuesday. Justice Neville Smith is presiding over his first assizes. In his opening remarks, he stated that the Court is faced with a calendar of unusual proportions. "It is one not to be proud of and not what the territory would want to face in the future,' Justice Smith commented.
Last year, nine cases were filed. Three were heard in October 1999 and six in March 2000. Of the nine cases, seven involved personal violence and another involved death by dangerous driving. This session, there are 13 cases, four more than the whole of last year. Eight of these cases involve personal violence, there are two murders and one - causing death by dangerous driving. "One disturbing feature", according to the Judge, who straightaway established a no-nonsense attitude, "is that there are three cases where four persons are charged with unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 13 years." He said these figures show an increase in offences that the territory should not want to see. The High Court Judge welcomed the dozens of residents who turned up in Court Tuesday, in response to being summoned for jury duty. He told them that the juror's function is vital to the administration of justice in the territory and he reposed in them his confidence that they will play important roles, with a sense of responsibility and professionalism. "I also look forward to the cooperation of counsel and anticipate a smooth and efficient dispatch of the cases set for trial," said Justice Smith. The case of the four Americans - William Labrador, Michael Spicer, Alexander Benedetto and Evan George - charged with the murder earlier this year of New Yorker Louis Livingstone McMillen was called up. They each pleaded not guilty to the indictments and were remanded in custody. The case will come up for hearing on November 1st.
The law firm of J. S. Archibald & CO. is representing Spicer and George, Attorney St. Clair Douglas of McW. Todman & Co. represents Labrador and Benedetto is represented by Attorney Nicole McDavid of O'Neal Webster O'Neal Myers Fletcher & Gordon. Ms. Dancia Penn Q.C. continues to watch brief for the McMillen family. Later in November, on the 13th, Labrador is expected to answer a separate charge of murder. His lawyer has already indicated that he will be objecting to the second indictment. Spicer, Benedetto and George will also be brought up on separate counts. The incident for which they are charged occurred on January 14th at West End. The case has attracted international media attention, since it was first heard in the Magistrate's Court here starting in January.