Festival City man on second retrial for wife’s murder

The second retrial of Charles Woolford, called ‘Tony,’ who is accused of murdering his wife in 2009, began yesterday in the High Court before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Woolford is on trial for the third time for the murder of his beautician wife Latoya Conway-Woolford at their home at Humming Bird Street, Festival City, North Ruimveldt.

Charles Woolford
Charles Woolford
Latoya Conway Woolford
Latoya Conway Woolford

After a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on his guilt on March 11, 2014, Justice Navindra Singh who was presiding over the first retrial, ordered a second one.

In 2013, Justice James Bovell-Drakes had ordered a retrial after a jury had also failed to agree on a verdict.

Woolford is alleged to have stabbed Latoya Conway-Woolford during an argument. According to reports, Conway-Woolford, a hairdresser, was getting ready to go to a friend’s house to do her hair when Charles entered the room with his hands behind his back and asked her where she was going.

He then allegedly turned her around and stabbed her in her stomach in the presence of their 11-year-old daughter.

The woman managed to escape to the upper flat of the home, where relatives were staying, and she was subsequently rushed to the hospital where she underwent surgery.

However, she succumbed to her injuries the following day.

Woolford is being represented by defence attorney Peter Hugh while Mercedes Thompson is presenting the State’s case.