By Monique Washington
Nevispages.com
A 12 member jury will today, Tuesday, April 11, 2017 be deciding whether or not Shantez Mintos is guilty or not guilty of possession of a fire arm and ammunition, charges he received in 2014.
Mintos’ case concluded on Monday, April 10, 2017, with both the Director of Public Prosecution Valston Graham and Defense attorney Chesley Hamilton giving closing arguments.
In closing the DPP urged the jury to “make your determination on the facts of the case”. He told the panel that all they need when rendering a verdict is “common sense”, “your worldly experience” and “to take the law and apply it to the facts of the case”.
He told the jury that Mintos was never charged with ownership of a weapon, but he was charged with possession and what is needed to prove possession is custody or control and knowledge.
Defense attorney, Chesley Hamilton also urged the jury to apply common sense. He noted that the prosecution’s case just “did not add up”.
Today, the Judge her Ladyship, Justice Loraine Williams will summarize the entire case and explain the law. Thereafter, the jury will deliberate and determine the fate of Shantez Mintos.
Mintos’ case is the first for the April 2017 criminal assizes in Nevis which began on April 5, 2017.