Rodney Simmonds Jr. No Longer Facing Murder Charge
BVI Platinum News
Updated: October 10, 2012 6:28 am AST
Published: October 09, 2012 1:33 pm AST
Rodney Simmonds Jr.
Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News
Rodney Simmonds Jr., who was committed to stand trial with two others in relation to the killing of Keri Harrigan is no longer facing a murder charge. Harrigan was gunned down execution style in March 2011 at Long Look.

When Simmonds Jr. and the two other accused, Yan Edwards and Allen Baptiste were arraignment in the High Court today, October 9, Simmonds Jr. was not read the murder charge.

Edwards and Baptiste pleaded not guilty to the murder charge involving Harrigan's death and Edwards and Simmonds Jr. pleaded not guilty to the charge of conspiracy to murder involving the shooting of Melbourne Francis.

The trial will be the first for this assizes and begins on Monday, October 15.

At today's hearing, Lawyer Corrine George of JS Archibald & Co. sought another date for the trial in November, citing that Dr. JS Archibald, QC, who is representing Simmonds Jr., would not be on island on October 15. However, Prosecutor Valston Graham said if the case is pushed back it will put the crown at an inconvenience since they have already set trial dates for matters.

"Moving this puts the list in chaos...We are ready to proceed. It would be of great inconvenience for us if it is moved...," Graham stated.

Justice Albert Redhead then stated that he is sure that George is capable of holding for Dr. Archibald. George stated that if the court does not grant the adjournment, then she will have to hold.

The trial date was fixed as October 15.

Edwards, Simmonds Jr. and Baptiste remain on remand.
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Copyright 2011 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
  • Readers' Opinion
Unbelievable. | Report Abuse
Thought Simmonds was supposed to be the one who planned the murder. Well I guess we have to trust in the law and that he will stand a fair trial and justice will be served.
October 10 at 12:34pm  |  Like ▪ 6 People like this.   Dislike
Reply
Sidney | Report Abuse
The elements that constitute the charge of murder won't stand for his role in the crime. Although I must say the DPP is a little late in changing the charges because this young man should have been charged with conspiracy to Robbery and he would not have been found not guilty. Now the motive... more
October 10 at 2:14pm  |  Like ▪ 5 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 2 People dislike this.
this little dude, look to soft to murder but then u never know
October 09 at 7:54pm  |  Like   Dislike ▪ 9 People dislike this.
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Ras 007 | Report Abuse
Soft to murder but if he set up the whole ordeal then thas less work for he. That's what you call a SHOT CALLER!!!
October 10 at 2:34pm  |  Like ▪ 9 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 2 People dislike this.
Canary | Report Abuse
It is very possible that he cooperated with the police and gave them evidence in exchange for a lesser charge. Happens all the time in other places. Take nothing for granted my people. There is always something behind an action.
October 09 at 6:09pm  |  Like ▪ 9 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 9 People dislike this.
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careful what u say | Report Abuse
no face no case
October 11 at 6:07am  |  Like ▪ 6 People like this.   Dislike
I could already see Rod walking out the Courtroom a free man.
October 09 at 4:47pm  |  Like ▪ 20 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 5 People dislike this.
Reply
where ? | Report Abuse
they let him off the main charge so he must walk on this one
October 09 at 3:33pm  |  Like ▪ 15 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 3 People dislike this.
Reply
Guest | Report Abuse
Conspiracy still need evidence smarty.
October 09 at 2:20pm  |  Like ▪ 8 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 1 Person dislike this.
Reply
Not like proving murder....conspiracy just need one or more to confirm conspiracy.....example if Edwards and Bapriste say "yeah he call us and we sat and planned it" Rodney going down...and I aint talking bout eating either.
October 09 at 3:38pm  |  Like ▪ 6 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 6 People dislike this.
To PSY | Report Abuse
Well not really they have to show phone calls or text saying that, them cant go off of what the other two say. They will have to show some type of evidence
October 09 at 7:43pm  |  Like ▪ 9 People like this.   Dislike
Guest | Report Abuse
Das wa i talkin bout, free my boy Lil Rod
October 09 at 1:57pm  |  Like ▪ 20 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 22 People dislike this.
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Spinx | Report Abuse
He's still charged with conspiracy smarty, which is the easier case to prove against him.
October 09 at 1:58pm  |  Like ▪ 15 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 4 People dislike this.
Jonny Boy | Report Abuse
not to laugh in this serious matter but LOL @ Guest and the comment following....
October 09 at 3:21pm  |  Like ▪ 2 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 1 Person dislike this.
Conspiracy is the agreement between two or more parties to commission and carryout an offense, such as to commit murder or inflict injury, or to defraud, rod, or steal. in many jurisdictions the conspiracy agreement it self is considered a crime, whether or not the intended offense was carried out.
October 09 at 7:29pm  |  Like ▪ 6 People like this.   Dislike
so he get off on this too wow
October 09 at 1:55pm  |  Like ▪ 6 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 5 People dislike this.
Reply
Not just yet, you have to re-read the article again. He is charged with conspiracy to murder
October 09 at 2:14pm  |  Like ▪ 9 People like this.   Dislike
Naw they going to nail him on conspiracy....the only thing he escape is a life sentence.
October 09 at 2:18pm  |  Like ▪ 13 People like this.   Dislike ▪ 4 People dislike this.
Sidney | Report Abuse
Obviously this person ain't too bright LAPS........................
October 09 at 2:31pm  |  Like ▪ 10 People like this.   Dislike
Please note that the comments posted are the views and opinion of the commentor and do not in any way represent the views or opinions of the management and staff of Virgin Islands Platinum News and its parent company Platinum Investors Limited.
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