Key witness in Shab Don triple murder case locked up in Florida

Renowned dancehall producer Linval 'Shab Don' Thompson Jr and his co-accused Tajay Clarke are set to reappear in the St James Circuit Court on February 19. This follows ongoing efforts by the prosecution to secure testimony from a key overseas witness currently incarcerated in Florida on a murder charge -- a development casting doubt on the witness's availability for the trial.

Shab Don and Clarke appeared before presiding High Court Justice Judith Pusey on Wednesday and were remanded in custody after getting the trial date.

Thompson is being represented by attorneys Tom Tavares-Finson and Donahue Martin, while attorney Khadine Colman is representing Clarke.

"The matter could not proceed as a vital witness for the prosecution is presently overseas in custody. Steps are being taken to arrange for him to give evidence, and the prosecution asked for additional time to determine if this is feasible," Tavares-Finson told THE WEEKEND STAR.

He expressed scepticism about the feasibility of securing the witness's testimony.

"This is not the first time the court was being told this, and, in fact, the witness in question is in jail in Florida on a murder charge and is very unlikely to be available as a witness in this matter. The case was set for trial on February 19, and the prosecution was told by the judge to determine the way forward, in view of the unavailability of witnesses," Tavares Finson said.

The men are charged for the May 25, 2022 murder of 27-year-old Chadwell 'Bomb Brain' Frazer; 24-year-old Chamario 'Chippy' Calvin; and 26-year-old Toniann 'Too Fly' Reid. The three were shot and killed and two other persons wounded in a drive-by shooting at a birthday party in Rose Heights, St James.