In a landmark verdict on October 9, Jeremiah Joshua was unanimously acquitted of all charges related to a 2017 shooting incident in Princes Town. The trial, overseen by Justice Nalini Singh at the O’Meara Judicial Centre, concluded swiftly after the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Joshua had faced serious allegations, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that on May 29, 2017, Joshua visited the home of his children’s mother in New Grant, where an argument ensued. He reportedly threatened to return and harm the woman. Later that night, he allegedly forced entry into the residence and fired two shots at the woman’s brother before fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered two spent shells and a projectile but failed to submit these items for forensic analysis until 2019, and no conclusive scientific report was ever produced. The defense, led by attorney Roshan Tota-Maharaj, highlighted critical gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of forensic evidence, gunshot residue testing, fingerprint analysis, and CCTV footage. Tota-Maharaj also questioned the credibility of the alleged victim, pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. An alibi witness testified that Joshua was attending a family gathering for his parents’ memorial at the time of the incident and remained there until the following day. After the judge’s summation, the jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict on all counts, exonerating Joshua. The prosecution team included Maria Lyons-Edwards, Cassie Bisram, and Afeisha Williams.
