Friend killer found guilty

Albert Willis, 36, of Sugar Way, Gutters, was found guilty by a seven-member jury for the April 10, 2015 murder of 32-year-old Kezon Thompson, who was his close friend.

During the five-day trial the court heard that Willis, Thompson and two other men went to a Digicel cell tower located at the old Guardsman Serenity Park to steal petrol.

However, while at the site, Willis, who was 31 years old at the time, pulled a firearm and shot at the other men. Thompson was hit and succumbed to gunshot wounds received, while of the other men – one was injured and the other was fortunate enough to escape unhurt.

Four days after the crime was committed, detectives attached to the Old Harbour Police CIB were able to nab Willis, who was formerly employed as a security guard at the park.

Following the shooting, it is understood that Willis went to Thompson’s home and informed his relatives that he was shot by security while stealing petrol from the cell tower.

But the injured man, turned crown witness, gave a different account of what transpired during the early morning of the day in question.

The key witness for the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn, told the court that Willis, otherwise called Errol, masterminded the whole act.

It was Willis, the witness said, who told them of the grand opportunity at the cell site, which had become a prime target for thieves.

The court also heard that the deceased had loan Willis a gun, but the accused did not return the illegal weapon despite repeated request, and that the whole plot was apparently orchestrated to claim permanent ownership of the firearm.

The prosecution was unable to determine if it was the same gun that was used to kill Thompson, as detectives did not recover any weapon.

After a short deliberation, the jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict.

Willis’ sentencing date is set for July 12, 2019.

After the trial, head of the Old Harbour Police CIB and lead investigator Detective Inspector Glen McGill said: “I want to thank District Constable Langott for his assistance during the investigations and commend him for the evidence that he gave in the matter.”