Quada murder case stalled again

Dancehall entertainer Quada made his eighth appearance in court Thursday morning with the expectation of answering to the charges filed against him in January 2020.

However, instead of getting the opportunity to enter a plea, the presiding judge at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court set April 27 for Quada to return.

Bianca Samuels, who is the attorney-at-law representing the entertainer, told THE WEEKEND STAR that "though very cooperative, he is exasperated".

Quada, whose given name is Shacquelle Clarke, is accused of murder and arson in relation to the 2019 mob killing of Sterling Castle resident Miguel Williams, who was beaten before being set ablaze. He was granted bail in the sum of $500,000 after his first court appearance.

His hearing has been stalled several instances, and has been dragging on in excess of a year. Even though Thursday was the deadline given for the prosecution's disclosure, there has been another delay due to the missing fire report.

Samuels and her client were prepared for a committal hearing last November, but were told by the prosecution that another statement in relation to the arson charge was required and was postponed. The hearing was stalled further on January 13 when the prosecution did not present a final statement.

"He [Quada], to say in the least, is disappointed," Samuels said. She said that her client, like many who have been dealt the same hand to return to court repeatedly, is also affected financially.

The 23-year-old fast-rising entertainer is known for dancehall hit singles like Hail and Celebration, and was forecast as a name to watch after his performance at Popcaan's Unruly Fest in St Thomas in December 2019.

- S.L.