Accused’s statement to cop allowed as evidence at Melanie murder trial

The oral statement of murder accused Nolan Roberts was admitted into evidence at his trial n the High Court.

The trial, which is being presided over by Justice Roxane George, began last week with a voir dire (trial within a trial) where the judge ruled to allow the oral statement to be admitted. The oral statement was only read to the jury yesterday after it was admitted as evidence.

Roberts is on trial for the murder of Andrew Walters, which occurred on April 6, 2004 at Melanie, East Coast Demerara. He is represented by attorney Jorawar Misir while Natasha Backer and Rhondel Weever are leading the state’s case.

Nolan Roberts
Nolan Roberts

At yesterday’s session of the trial, Backer presented four witnesses to the court and they were cross-examined by Misir.

One of the witnesses the prosecution presented was police sergeant Denaise Adams, who told the court that the accused gave him an oral statement on what transpired between him and Walters. Adams said that Roberts had told him that he and Walters had a problem and Walters lashed him. Adams added that Roberts said that he ran away after Walters hit him but Walters followed him.

According to Adams, Roberts told him that Walters fell down and he saw an ice pick fall out of his hands. He then picked up the ice pick and “fire two juk at he and me run and go home.”

The prosecutors have one more witness to present to the court today, after which they are likely to close their case.