Trial opens in murder of cop at Soca contest

“A night that supposed to cascade with the sounds of soca and calypso, a night of merriment changed to the pulsating shots … on February 11, 2007, at Espanade Ground , New Amsterdam, where policeman Micah Cort was killed.”

Micah Cort
Micah Cort

These words uttered by State Counsel Fabayo Azore, signalled the opening in the case of Dorsette Mc Cammon who is on trial for the murder of the policeman. He is represented by Defence Counsel Murseline Bacchus.

Azore told Justice Winston Patterson and the previously sworn jury panel, that during the Carib Soca Monarch semi finals show, which was held a stone’s throw from the court building, persons were seen moving away from the bar area at 01:30 hrs.

A scuffle between the accused Mc Cammon, and the now deceased Cort ensued, and after being parted, the accused was seen pointing a gun toward the policeman who was on duty. Four shots rang out, and the accused was seen running away.

Dorsette Mc Cammon
Dorsette Mc Cammon

However, the State Counsel narrated, as he fled, a licensed firearm holder discharged shots and the accused fell and a gun was found next to him.
Both wounded men were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they received treatment, but Cort succumbed to his injuries.
According to a post-mortem report, Azore said, death was due to respiratory failure owing to a fractured spine, which was as a result of gunshot injuries.
The prosecution is expected to present its first witness on Tuesday.