Murder accused ‘Gio’ McKenzie’s committal hearing rescheduled to February 3
Published:Monday | February 3, 2025 | 4:41 PMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
With the case-file bundle still under review, the committal hearing for former St James ‘most wanted’ man, Joseph ‘Gio’ McKenzie, who is facing two murder charges, was rescheduled to February 3 when the matter came up in the St James Parish Court on Monday..
Parish judge Diahann Bernard set the new hearing date after she was told that the judge who will be presiding over the hearing was still reviewing the file. The case was previously set before Judge Kaysha Grant-Pryce.
McKenzie, who was not present for Monday’s rescheduling of his committal hearing, remains in custody. His matter was handled by his attorney, Chumu Parris.
McKenzie is charged with the April 6, 2023 murder of 21-year-old Darian Bowman, and the April 27, 2024 murder of 28-year-old Randy McNeil. He is also charged in relation to a third murder, the details of which have not yet been outlined in court. He is also facing additional charges in the Western Regional Gun Court.
According to reports regarding Bowman’s death, passersby reportedly saw him running along the Flanker main road in St James on August 6, 2023, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital by a Jamaica Defence Force unit but died while undergoing treatment.
Regarding McNeil, it is reported that, on April 27, 2024, he was attacked and shot multiple times while walking along the Flanker roadway. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
McKenzie was captured by the police on August 25, 2024, during a police operation at Harvey Beach in Coral Gardens, St James. Prior to that operation, he was listed on the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesday’s programme as one of St James’ most wanted men.
Following his arrest, the St James police disclosed that a firearm, which they say was taken from him, was linked to four other crimes beyond the current murder charges.
McKenzie’s committal hearing will determine when his matter will be transferred to the St James Circuit Court for trial.