Soldier’s missing firearm recovered

Prosecutors say the firearm belonging to Theophilus Tracey, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) sergeant in whose car the body of an unidentified female was found with gunshot wounds last month, has been recovered and is now in the possession of the police.

The disclosure was made yesterday in the Kingston and St Andrew Court where Tracey is facing a charge of failing to hand over a firearm. The court heard that the woman’s body was found in Tracey’s Honda Fit on Caledonia Avenue in St Andrew. Investigations led the police to Up Park Camp where Tracey was interviewed.

Tracey, who is the owner of a licensed Glock pistol, was asked to produce it. He allegedly refused and said “I will cooperate when I see my lawyer.” It is alleged that he handed over his firearm user’s licence and firearm licence fee certificate. Tracey indicated to investigators that his firearm was stolen but refused to sign a statement attesting to these claims.

When the matter was mentioned before Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montaque yesterday, Peter Champagnie, QC, Tracey’s attorney, contended that he would not be making a bail application but expressed concerns about scientific tests being conducted on the firearm.

“A question-and-answer interview was done two days after his last appearance in court [March 10] and the essence of the question-and-answer interview suggest, in the clearest terms, that any scientific tests that are being conducted on the item in question would not be targeted in terms of the question-and-answer interview. In other words, was it utilised? That’s not an issue. For what purpose? That’s not an issue. Against whom is not an issue. So, the only scientific tests that would be done, in my mind, would be the regular ballistic testing. I would hope so,” Champagnie submitted to the court.

Meanwhile, prosecutors requested an adjournment to facilitate additional advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on how to proceed. The police opposed bail as they believe that Tracey might flee the jurisdiction. Cole-Montaque granted the adjournment and the matter is to be mentioned on May 2. Tracey was further remanded in custody until then.

– T.T.