Victim clearly identified his shooter, court hears

Gunshot victim, Angus Penn, identified his longtime acquaintance as the triggerman who attempted to kill him last Monday night, prosecutors have alleged.

This was revealed during 21-year-old Kenai Jacobs’ court appearance recently. Jacobs is charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to injure or endanger life.

He was not required to plead as the matters are indictable and triable before the high court.

It is alleged that the gunshot victim, Penn, reportedly told police that Jacobs’ face was made visible on a well-lit road on the night in question.

The court heard that the accused man was roughly three feet away from Penn moments before allegedly pulling the trigger of a 9mm handgun.

Allegations

It is alleged that on April 15, the complainant was outside his home listening to music on his headphones at about 10:30 pm.

He reportedly saw the accused walking along the road wearing a hoodie. The court heard that Penn did not find the hoodie suspicious considering that it was just about to rain at the time.

According to allegations, the accused returned and stopped about three feet away. The court heard that the accused man said nothing. Moments before being shot, Penn allegedly saw his shooter holding a black gun.

After allegedly shooting Penn, Jacobs jogged away in the opposite direction, the court heard.

Sought help

The court further heard that Penn went to a nearby Baptist Church to get help but could not find anyone to assist him. He eventually collapsed in front of a private dwelling where a resident assisted him and called an ambulance.

He was then taken to the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital where he is nursing injuries. Jacob was arrested on April 16.

I was at home

During his interview with police, Jacobs confirmed that he and the complainant have known each other for more than five years.

The accused however told police he was at home with his grandmother and a young lady on the night in question. He claimed he was not feeling well.

Bail?

The Crown objected to bail for Jacobs for several reasons.

They argued that there is a possibility that the complainant, who is battling for his life, would not survive. If this happens, Jacobs would be likely charged with murder, and no bail would be granted then.

The Crown also pointed to the seriousness of the allegations, the fact that the complainant pointed to him as the perpetrator, and the strong circumstantial evidence against him as other reasons.

Jacobs is a US citizen, and the likelihood of absconding exists the court was further told. Prosecutors also argue that if granted bail, the accused man might interfere with witnesses and interrupt the police who are still searching for the firearm.

Prosecutors also mentioned that police also searched Jacobs’ home and found a hoodie similar to the one that the gunman reportedly wore.

The hoodie is being forensically examined.

I want to go home

Jacobs who was permitted to address the court denied the allegations.

“I don’t own a firearm, and I don’t have any reason to do [Mr Penn] anything. I am ready to go home,” he said.

He said he believes the only reason his name was called is that he is friends with another young man who is the complainant’s enemy.

The magistrate, however, agreed with the Crown and subsequently denied bail.

Jacobs who is unrepresented will return to court on May 23.