KINGSTON, Jamaica. A Justice of the Peace has rejected suggestions that he failed to properly carry out his duties while witnessing a caution statement and question-and-answer session involving murder accused Andre Ruddock.
Ruddock, a 36-year-old farmer and security guard, is on trial in the Home Circuit Court for the October 17, 2021 killing of Taneka Gardner at Pathways International Restoration Kingdom Ministries in what prosecutors allege was a sacrificial ritual. A day later he gave police a caution statement in which he reportedly confessed to cutting Gardner’s throat on the instruction of the church’s late leader, Kevin Smith.
Testifying by video link, the JP was challenged under cross-examination by defence attorney Venice Brown about his experience, his recollection of events and the steps he took to ensure the statement was not coerced. He acknowledged that October 2021 was his first time assisting with a caution statement but insisted he was competent to advise Ruddock of his rights.
The witness could not recall asking police whether a lawyer had been contacted for Ruddock, conceding that this could have been important. He also said he could not recall telling police to switch off a video camera before officers left the room.
The JP said he relied on Ruddock’s own answers to satisfy himself that the statement was voluntary, and that Ruddock told him he had been promised nothing. The trial continues.
— LRTVS News Desk
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