‘Wizzy’ Bramble , ‘Bondo’ Free freed of murder charge

Two no-case submissions and a decision by the prosecution on Tuesday saw two men’s murder charges dismissed and one left to stand trial in the High Court at the Criminal Assizes.{{more}}

Carlo “Bondo” Free, 29, a farmer of Sion Hill walked away a free man on Tuesday and Fitz-Allan “Wizzy” Bramble, 22, of Sion Hill was cleared of the charge while 21-year-old Redemption Sharpes resident Alaski “Beaver” Samuel will stand trial for the murder of Ishmael Byron between April 29 and May 5, 2006.

Byron’s lifeless body was discovered in the York Mountains in Campden Park with a single gunshot wound to his upper back.

While Police escorted Bramble back to her Majesty’s Prison pending other charges, he told SEARCHLIGHT that it was God who brought him through: “All I do is put God first and I want people to stop judge people by their appearance and find out the facts first,” stated Bramble.

After Free was cleared of the charge, the prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Saboto Caesar, then called him to the witness stand to give evidence in the matter. After Free’s evidence, the prosecution closed its case against Bramble and Samuel.

Defence Counsel for Samuel, Kay Bacchus-Browne unsuccessfully made a no case submission citing that the credibility of the crown’s witness ought to be questioned.

In response to Browne’s no case submission, Caesar noted that if the issue of Free’s credibility arises, it is a matter to be dealt with at the High Court before a judge and jury. Caesar said that it is not to be addressed at this stage.

Bramble’s defence counsel Stephen Williams also made a no-case submission, stating that Bramble was not part of the joint enterprise with Samuel. Caesar however argued that while the evidence clearly showed a “leave it to Beaver” approach, there was still sufficient evidence to join Bramble to the joint enterprise with Samuel. Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman did not agree with Caesar and upheld the no case submission.

Police also nabbed a fourth man in connection with Byron’s murder.

Zachary Lynch, a labourer of Sion Hill was brought before the court on Monday to answer to Byron’s murder. He was not allowed to plea. He was remanded in custody until September 20.