Belair:--- The seven suspects that stood trial in the "Vesuvius investigation" two weeks ago for the several murders, gun possession, and other illegal activities were sentenced by the Court of First Instance on Thursday. The sentencing was handed down at the make-shift court house at the Belair Community Center by Judge Rick Smid.
The prosecution asked that Andrew Davis be sentenced to nine years imprisonment for his involvement in the crimes committed but the judge sentenced him to six years. Akron Morgan was sentenced to eight years even though the prosecution asked that he be sentenced to 11 years. Charles Fleming got five years despite the prosecution's request that he be sentenced to eight years. Erno Labega Jr. was sentenced to six years even though the prosecution demanded ten years. Doniel Thomas received seven years instead of nine years that was requested by the prosecution team led by prosecutor Bart den Hartigh.
The two main suspects Omar Jones and Carlos Richardson whom the prosecution believes are the ones that spearheaded the gang and the criminal activities which took the lives of Miguel Arrindell, Rodulfo Arrindell, Kevin Gumbs, Eric Lake, and Anthony Whyte along with the attempted murder of a St. Kitts national were sentenced to life time imprisonment as demanded by the prosecution. The attorneys representing the seven Vesuvius suspects already indicated that they will appeal the decision rendered.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said in a statement to SMN News that the conviction of all seven suspects in the Vesuvius investigation shows that the police on St. Maarten are able to solve all murder cases. He said these cases may take some time to solve but people should not lose faith in the judicial system, instead they should cooperate with the police and that would bring similar results to what they obtained on Thursday. "I am convinced that the police will solve all the other murder cases that are not yet solved and when they do those responsible will be sent behind bars."
