In the wake of a post-carnival shooting that left three people injured including popular Jamaican podcaster Jhaedee “Jaii Frais” Richards, a Kingston parish court has ordered local law enforcement to make a clear procedural move: either formally charge Richards or release him from custody by 6 p.m. local time on Friday.
The court order came directly after Richards’ legal team filed a writ of habeas corpus on his behalf in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, with Justice Alicia McIntosh issuing the final ruling. The shooting incident unfolded Sunday night at the Big Wall venue in St Andrew, immediately following a carnival after-party, and Richards has remained in police custody since the violence unfolded.
In an interview with Jamaica Observer Online on Friday, Richards’ lead attorney Isat Buchanan shared new details about the case, including previously unfulfilled court instructions for the detained podcaster’s medical care. “An order was made on Wednesday for Mr Richards to be taken for medical attention. That was not done,” Buchanan explained. “When the application was made, the judge made inquiries and we were told that he’s now at the hospital.”
Richards, who sustained a gunshot wound in the attack, remains waiting to be interviewed by investigators as the probe moves forward. Buchanan acknowledged that law enforcement is acting to uphold correct procedural standards to avoid violating constitutional protections, but emphasized that the injury his client sustained makes prompt action non-negotiable. “We do understand that police are proceeding cautiously, but at the same time, delay is unacceptable when a man is injured,” Buchanan said. “We have pursued the legal route to push for clarity, and now we wait for the opportunity for our client to give his statement to investigators.”
The shooting left three people hurt: Richards, a United States citizen, and a member of dancehall artist 450’s entourage. That third victim was critically wounded in the attack but ultimately survived. Music producer and manager Jahvel “Jahvy Ambassador” Morrison has also been taken into police custody in connection with the shooting, and he is represented by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie.
Local law enforcement has fast-tracked the investigation into the incident, according to prior public reports, as authorities work to piece together the circumstances that led to the late-night shooting.