BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter mundlet@jamaicaobserver.com Tuesday, February 14, 2017
POPULAR dancehall deejay “Alkaline” was yesterday released from police custody following a judge’s order that he be charged or released by 6:00 pm after spending four days behind bars.
The artiste, who had been in custody since last Thursday, was released about 3:15 pm.
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| Alkaline in Red |
Senior Parish Judge Andrea Pettigrew-Collins had made the order yesterday morning in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court following a
habeas corpus application by Alkaline’s attorney, Peter Champagnie. The deejay had surrendered to the police who wanted him for questioning in relation to the murder of Rohan Morris in Maverley on January 13.
Champagnie, during his application, argued that his client had been in custody for four days without being charged, and was neither advised by the police of any pending charge.
Superintendent Mevral Smith, who was a part of the investigating team, objected to Alkaline’s release, stating that the investigation was still being carried out. He also told the court that the deejay was asked 100 questions, but only responded by saying, “I am innocent of these charges.”
But the judge quickly told him that entertainer was not obligated to answer any of the questions.
“You either have the evidence to charge him or you don’t,” Judge Pettigrew-Collins said.
The judge then raised concerns about the frequent practice by police officers arresting suspects before conducting a proper investigation.
“With the greatest of respect, police too often put the horse before the cart. more
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