Twenty six witnesses are expected to give testimony at Philo Wallace Coroner’s Inquest that opened on Thursday.Her Ladyship, Yasmine Clarke is presiding over the Inquest which is being held in camera(private) at the Magistrate’s Court, Nevis. A five member jury has been deployed to listen to the proceedings and declare the verdict at the conclusion of the verdict.
Members of the Press are not allowed into the inquest but according to sources close to the Inquest the members of the jury are persons of integrity in the society.
The prosecutor is a senior police officer based in St. Kitts. There were several top police officers in the inquest yesterday.
The police officer alleged to have murdered Philo Wallace was not at the inquest but may have been in the Charlestown police station building. Some members of the St. Kitts and Nevis defense force were seen around the court precincts.
Statements documented by the Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force and the pathologist’s report were scheduled to be released in the inquest on Thursday. Witnesses are also scheduled to give evidence in this matter.
Hugh Oswald Wallace, Philo’s father was the first witness to give evidence. Dr Henry Browne(Q.C) is representing the Wallace family. The former Attorney General,Jason Hamilton, along with Attoneys Marsha Henderson and Vaughn Woodley are appearing on behalf of the police officer.
Philo Wallace, a promising 17-year-old cricketer of Hamilton Village in Nevis, was shot and killed by an off-duty policeman on October 17 last year, which has resulted in a public outcry for justice.