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Four men arraigned in connection with February 29 shooting

Arraignments: Alex Vanderpool (Photo by Akil Simmons)

Four men denied charges relating to a shooting on Mission Lane, Pembroke, when they appeared at Supreme Court yesterday.Jahkiel Samuels, 27, Ronniko Burchall, 21, and Jamin Saltus, 23, are accused of attempting to murder Aaron Moniz, 24, and conspiring to murder “a person unknown”.They are also accused of using a firearm to commit an indictable offence.Alex Vanderpool, 21, is charged with handling a firearm, described as a Jimenez Arms J A Nine 9mm model.The incident happened on February 29. Police said at the time that the shooting occurred around 1am when the victim and “possibly another male” exited a residence on the lane and were targeted by a gunman.The victim received a single gunshot wound to his lower torso and underwent surgery.The men — who all reside in Pembroke except Mr Samuels, who lives in St David’s — pleaded not guilty.They were remanded into custody and must return to court next month for a trial date to be set.The second new case coming before the Supreme Court at the monthly session was that of 39-year-old Eric Dunkley of Sugar Apple Lane, Pembroke.He is accused of causing bodily harm to Christopher Dailey through reckless driving on July 5, 2011.No further information about the case was given and Mr Dunkley was bailed until a further court hearing next month.A series of other defendants were mentioned during the arraignments session by videolink from Westgate Correctional Centre for trial and sentence dates to be fixed.Among them was David Jahwell Cox, who is facing murder charges but refused to leave his cell to face the camera.Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves asked his defence lawyer Larry Mussenden: “You’re aware that your client likes his room so much he doesn’t want to leave?”Mr Mussenden replied: “I believe he doesn’t want to appear before the court.”Mr Cox is due to come back to court at a later date.Another unexpected turn of events came when Sahki Weeks who is awaiting pre-sentencing reports including a psychological report appeared on the videolink.Mr Weeks, who is awaiting sentencing on charges of threats to kill, has previously told the court that “I have issues”.Yesterday, he told the judge “I would have rather seen you in person” before launching into a monologue in which he said that people at Westgate “are trying to drive me crazy”.He then told everyone in the courtroom: “Keep up the good work, I will see you later peace and love, stay out of trouble, all right?”The court heard his reports are not ready and he must come back again next month.

Arraignments: Jamin Saltus (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Arraignments: Jahkiel Samuels (Photo by Akil Simmons)
Arraignments: Ronniko Burchall (Photo by Akil Simmons)