Jamaican News

Conviction Without A Body

July 29, 2022 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

On a late item of news the DPP has hinted at circumstantial evidence in the love triangle case.

As this love triangle unfolds we must ask: What will happen next as this Netflix style drama keeps unfolding before our eyes as we enter this new chapter? With the arrest of Constable Noel Maitland things have gone to another level. One thing is certain we have not yet written all the episodes in this ongoing drama as yet. Season two is being written and we cannot wait to see what it has in store.

Precedent

There is precedent in Jamaica for a suspect to be arrested in a murder investigation even if a physical body is not found. You will recall that this was hinted at as a possible development in a previous perspective by Vision. We actually said that cyber intelligence may be used. The case of intercepted communication in this case is my suspicion. The Police could have unearthed invaluable pieces of evidence from cyberspace. Stay tuned my friends.

Conflicting Statements

We were told that Noel Maitland gave conflicting statements about the whereabouts of his girlfriend Donna Lee Donaldson. He previously said she was taken from his apartment by an unknown person who collected her. At 11AM but later that they said he reported as having been with her. Noel Maitland seems to be the only key to unlocking the truth as to what happened to Donna Lee Donaldson. Ms. Lug hinted at this fact.
Giving conflicting statements is not good. It cast doubt on your credibility.

Vybz Kartel

In the case of Vybz Kartel he has been serving time for murder although the body of one Lizard was never found. So there is precedence for this in law. It this what is called circumstantial evidence?

For example two birds are in a cage one goes missing and there is no practical escape route so it logically can be deduced that the surviving bird has cannibalized the other missing bird. A jury could convict if properly directed.

Burden Of Proof

This is not easy to prove, but provable none-the-less. There may be another angle being pursued by the police. Or in fact several other angles. The police are under tremendous scrutiny to come up with something concrete that will stick.

Police Under Scrutiny

The Police are under scrutiny not only locally, but this case has gone international as far as Toronto, Canada and likely elsewhere. Vision Newspaper reported that this case is being discussed in bars there. Jamaicans have a keen interest in what happens back home. They are not just sending their remittances, but are purchasing land and property to one day return to either live part time or retire in Jamaica.

1) Two of the actors are their own police officers

2) Public trust in the police is not good

3) Constable Noel Maitland was the last person known to be with Donna Lee Donaldson

4) Police is naturally concerned about their image

5) The demonstrations have eroded public confidence in the Police and hint at a possible cover up.

The police was forced to act. The entry of INDECOM may have also boosted the police’s will to act. We understand INDECOM was invited to be part of the Case Review Conference with the Director Of Public Prosecution’s Office (DPP). and the police themselves.

Commentary

This case has the makings for a block buster movie. You will recall that a James Bond movie was shot here in Jamaica, also Cool Runnings, both were most successful. So we have a track record of high level film productions.

Love Triangle

This drama has a missing person, and two cops all said to have been in a love triangle. What more is required …. only a well written script. This matter having gone international we need to send the right signal that our justice system has integrity. How will this drama end? Will there be a conviction? Justice needs to appear to have been done.

Hopeton Dennie

Hopeton O'Connor-Dennie is a poet, elegist, author, and senior international journalist who writes for Vision newspaper.

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