THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder charge against the surviving duo accused of killing cattle farmer Shafeek Bacchus began before Chief Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen yesterday.
In the dock were A&D Funeral Parlour co-owner Ashton King and ex-policeman Shawn Hinds, who were originally jointly charged with Mark Thomas alias ‘Kerzorkee’.
But the last man died since the capital offence was alleged after Bacchus was shot dead outside his Princes Street home last January 5.
Sister-in-law of the deceased, Christine Barlow, of Lot 1220 Sophia, also in Georgetown, completed her evidence-in-chief and was cross-examined by one of the Defence Counsel, Mr Compton Richardson.
The other lawyer, Mr Vic Puran declined cross-examination of that witness.
Detective Deputy Superintendent of Police Alfred Paul, who also commenced his testimony, was questioned by Richardson and is to face questions from Puran on May 12.
Both witnesses were led by State Counsel Simone Morris, from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) Office, who is presenting the case for the Prosecution.
As on previous occasions when the prisoners made their appearance, many people gathered in the Court compound but were prevented from getting close to King and Hinds by policemen who provided tight security.
The fatal drive-by shooting sparked still swirling allegations of a death squad by self-confessed informant George Bacchus, brother of the murdered man.