Philipsburg:--- Guyanese national Jamal Jefferson Woolford (20), appeared before the judge of instruction on Monday clad in a white t-shirt with the number 20 written in front, an off black three quarter jeans pants, and red and black Nike slippers. Woolford is the third suspect police arrested in the brutal murder of American citizens Michael and Thelma King which occurred between September 19th to September 21st, 2012. He is also accused of being involved in the armed robbery of the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant that was robbed on September 19th, 2012 around 8:40pm.
SMN News learnt that Woolford used his right to remain silent when he appeared before the judge of instruction on Monday. Jamal Jefferson Woolford born on December 9th, 1991 in Guyana managed to escape from St. Maarten last week Wednesday when he booked a flight to St. Thomas US Virgin Islands where he was arrested upon arrival by the FBI. It should be noted that on Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 SMN News reported that the first suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson confessed to police that he was involved in the brutal murders of the Kings. It appears as thought Woolford was monitoring the news and when he saw Johnson confessed he tried to escape from the St. Maarten judicial system. SMN News learnt that when Woolford was arrested in the US Virgin Island he was informed that he could face the death penalty if the case is tried in the US territory. The source said at that point Woolford waived his rights to extradition and he was brought back to St. Maarten on Friday where he was immediately arrested.
Jamal Jefferson Woolford is a former student of the St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) he also received a government scholarship for the SBO marine program which he completed and was working for Eagle Tours located at Bobby's Marina. Woolford is the second former St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) student that has been arrested in the Cupe Coy murder case. Jeremiah Chevon Mills and Woolford both attended the St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) and were close friends and school mates.
Woolford was living with his girlfriend identified as "Winifred" in an apartment in Cay Hill at the time of his arrest. He left St. Maarten on a Guyanese passport since he is the holder of a US 10 year visa.
Press release from the Public Prosecutor's office on the Arraignment of the Third suspect in the Cupe Coy Murder Case.
On Monday, 20 year old J.J.W. was led before the judge of instruction. The judge considered both the arrest and the prolongation of the custody as lawful. Custody will now last until October 15th, 2012, when a new decision on pre-trial detention will have to be taken.
The suspect is cooperating with the police and has made a statement.
The police is still analyzing all the information gathered in the course of investigation so far. The different statements given by the three suspects in the case are being reviewed and verified.
All three suspects are still under restrictions regarding visiting rights and contacts.
In the interest of the investigation no further details can be released at present.
Click here to view more photos of Jamal Jefferson Woolford's arraignment.
