Marigot man Elbert Edwards who resides in Woodford Hill was charged in a Magistrate Court today for the murder of his common law wife Bernadette Nicholas who also lived in Marigot, on January 7, 2021

A man from Marigot who resides in Woodford Hill, appeared before a Roseau Magistrate today, and was charged for the murder of Bernadette Nicholas – his Common law wife, (86) who also lived in Marigot.
 
Police Reports indicate the incident occurred on January 7, 2021, about 8:15 pm at the couple’s residence.The man concerned is Elbert Edwards. Since the Matter is a capital offence, Edwards, who was represented by Attorney Tiyanni Behanzin, was not required to enter a plea.
 
During the court case, Behanzin told the court that his client (Elbert Edwards) has a “history of mental health dating back to 2004-2014 while he was in Canada.” The lawyer claimed that Edwards was suffering from withdrawal symptoms and he (Behanzin) was making an application that Edwards be sent to the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) to get medical attention under the Mental Health Act.
 
But Police Prosecutor Inspector Davidson Cadette called for dismissal of the application because he claims, “the prosecution had reservations because that application was being made, with no documents.”
 
In response, Attorney Tiyanni Behanzin challenged Cadette’s claim, and said that “as an officer of the court,I am obligated to be frank and open with the court about my client’s conditions.” Behanzin also asked that the charge of murder not be read to his client.
 
After listening to all parties, presiding Magistrate Michael Laudat stated that before making any order, the court must be satisfied that the APU does have the capacity to house the accused. Magistrate Laudat ruled that the court was not going to make any decision based on law, stating that the court has “discretion and will use it accordingly.”
 
He then asked however, that the charge be read to the accused, the matter is adjourned to Monday, January 18, 2021, when he will heed the contributions of Superintendent of Prisons Kenrick Jean Jacques and a Consultant psychiatrist from the APU as to the housing conditions.
 
He also said that based on the new Bail Act number 20 of 2020 under section 7 (a) murder into section 7 (2) (e) that the court was not satisfied that it was in the public’s interest to grant the defendant bail. The case will be heard by a judge and jury on Monday January 18, 2021