More delays for trial of alleged Pathways killer
Published:Friday | January 9, 2026 | 5:57 PM
The trial of Andre Ruddock, the man accused of slashing a woman's throat during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James four years ago, has been rescheduled for September 16 in the Home Circuit Court.
The trial was slated to begin on Monday, but was postponed.
The prosecution, in the meantime, has indicated that some of its key witnesses are overseas and a special measures application to facilitate their evidence via video link was scheduled for May 15.
In the meantime, Ruddock was remanded.
He is charged with the murder of Taneka Gardner, 39, on October 17, 2021, during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James.
Another man, Michael Brown, was also found dead on the church premises.
Ruddock reportedly confessed to Gardner's murder.
Both were members of the church, led by the late Dr Kevin Smith, who died a week after the incident in a motor vehicle crash while being transported to Kingston to face charges.
Attorneys-at-law Anthony Williams and Venice Brown are representing Ruddock.
- Tanesha Mundle
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.