By Racquel Porter
Leroy Equiano, the attorney representing Andre Thomas who is on trial for the 2016 murder of two US missionaries in St. Mary, has suggested that the police used his client's sexual case to bribe him and solicit incriminatory information.
The Home Circuit Court heard that Thomas had pleaded guilty to having sexual intercourse with a minor and had been convicted.
But the date of the conviction was not disclosed.
Mr. Equiano argued that his client provided details of his relationship with the minor in a statement he gave to the police in June 2016.
But during cross examination, the Deputy Superintendent of Police with more than 20 years of service dismissed the suggestion, stating that Thomas was charged for having sex with a minor before he gave statements regarding the murder of Randy Hentzel and Harold Nichols.
Highlighting that his client requested to speak with the investigating officer a day after he detailed his relationship with the minor, Mr. Equiano said the police promised the defendant that if he cooperated the "little thing can go away".
Responding to Mr. Equiano, the witness made it clear that having sexual intercourse with a minor is no little thing.
The attorney also suggested that the investigator demanded that his client show them the crime scene and where they met his former co-accused turned state witness.
The cop said having heard Thomas' statement he requested he take them to the scene.
The lawman said he knew Thomas was a suspect after he showed him the exact spot where Mr. Henztel's body was found.
Mr. Equiano questioned the witness about whether proper procedure was observed to protect the right of a suspect.
The witness, while pointing out that the defendant had refused to have an attorney present while giving his statement, claimed Thomas told him to go get a Justice of Peace.
The trial continues Tuesday in the Home Circuit Court.
