By LAMECH JOHNSON


Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was unanimously acquitted of attempted murder yesterday.

After Justice Indra Charles confirmed with prosecutors Kristan Stubbs and Raquel Williams that 26-year-old Franklyn McMinns of Augusta Street had no other pending matters before the court, she discharged him and told him he was free to go.

McMinns thanked his attorney and left the courtroom, to be met by a family hug from his crying female relatives.

He had faced one charge each of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He had denied the allegations.
It was claimed that on October 31, 2010, he shot Luc Dupre at Hutchinson Street.
Dupre was on the corner when a man got out of a Honda Accord and opened fire with a 9mm pistol and continued shooting as the victim ran to a neighbour’s house.

Throughout the trial, McMinns and his attorney Devard Williams, maintained that he was not the one who shot at Dupre.

Yesterday, after summarising the evidence, Justice Charles excused the jury to deliberate on a verdict.
They returned at 4pm with unanimous not guilty verdicts on both charges.

Outside of court, Sophia McMinns, sister of the newly freed man, said she was grateful it was all over and thanked God that her brother was acquitted as he was innocent from the start.

Defence attorney Mr Williams also spoke with The Tribune about the trial and verdict.

“I’m happy that it is over with. It’s very taxing on the heart, mind and soul, waiting on the jury’s verdict in any case that depends on a man’s freedom or the possibility of spending the rest of his life in jail.

“I know the jury made the right decision today,” he said.
When asked what he had to say about the experience and his acquittal, the 26-year-old said: “Only thing I can say is put your trust in God, that’s all I will say.”