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Victim's mother issues appeal to witnesses

The mother of the young student gunned down outside a nightclub in Dockyard at the weekend has appealed for people with information to do the right thing - and talk to Police.

Marsha Jones said she would never get closure from the murder of her 20-year-old son Shaundae unless someone was convicted of his killing.

She said her son had given evidence in the trial of murder victim Tekle Zion Mallory in January, when his best friend Jahni Bean was accused with his cousin Quincy Stanley Brangman of his death in July 2001.

They were later both acquitted.

But Ms Jones said, despite knowing he would be criticised, Shaundae took the stand and told the court what he knew.

Speaking at her home in Smith's Avenue, Warwick, the distraught mother said yesterday: "I know it's difficult for young people to come forward and I know they are afraid.

"I can totally understand that, but if they can only call Police or even CrimeStoppers, where they can remain anonymous, it would help.

"I am asking them to tell someone what they know to help the Police do their job in pulling this puzzle together.

"We can't afford to let any more cases go unsolved."

Ms Jones said for the beginning of every story there had to be an end, and she said, likewise, the violence had begun, but it had to come to an end.

"My Shaundae tried to do the right thing when he was called to court to give evidence earlier this year, and I would not change that for the world," she added.

"I don't know if his death had anything to do with the Tekle Mallory trial, but he stood up and spoke like a man, and I'm glad he did that.

"Now other people have to stand up and speak. It takes a man to do a man's job.

"Give these people the information they need because I don't want someone else to walk away free.

"My son's life can't be in vain and I need some peace of mind. Please help me get some closure from this."

Shaundae, a full-time student at Bermuda College, was murdered early on Sunday as he left Dockyard with his friends.

He was in a car that was leaving Club Malabar when it is believed someone approached the car, opened the door and deliberately shot him.

His friends immediately drove away from Dockyard, and headed towards Port Royal Fire Station, where they were met by an ambulance.

However, Shaundae died before reaching King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. He had been shot in the chest.

Three people are now in Police custody helping with inquiries. Two of them, aged 23 and 24, were arrested on Sunday, and a 29-year-old turned himself into detectives on Monday. They were still being questioned yesterday.

Police have also appealed for information about the murder, and Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith has urged young men on the Island to remain calm.

He said a lot of resources had been placed on the investigation, but he said in order for Police and prosecution lawyers to be successful, they needed the support of the community - and that meant people giving evidence in court. Ms Jones said she did not mind how long it took to bring the killer or killers to court; she had patience.

She added: "I'm not in a hurry to get someone for this. I would say to the Police `take your time and don't botch it up. Just make sure you do it right, for Shaundae'."

@EDITRULE:

Anyone with information is asked to call Somerset Police on 234-1010, or CrimeStoppers on 1-800-623-8477.