The court on Wednesday found Blackman’s cousin, Roel Taylor, guilty of two counts in relation to the possession of illegal firearm and ammunition.
During the Klansman Grang Trial, The defendant, Roel Taylor heard his verdict, as Chief Justice Bryan Sykes evaluated the evidence from prior testimonies that were given. Despite the defendant saying he had no knowledge of how an AK–47, ended up in his furniture shop in 2019, he has been found guilty of having possession of an illegal firearm, and illegal ammunition, on counts 23 & 24 of the indictment.
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes slapped Taylor with said verdict following his analysis of what happened the day police showed up at his house and commenced a search, which resulted in the seizure. The sergeant responsible for the search detailed they found a key in Taylor’s home and questioned its purpose. Taylor responded that it was used to open his furniture shop, and the police then reportedly used the key to open the furniture shop door, where they found the ammunition and weapon under lumber. This Sykes says is evidence of concealment.
The defense had made a prior case that the furniture shop had several entrances, hoping to insinuate that someone other than the defendant could have placed said contents inside. But Sykes refuses to accept this, deeming the defense’s argument as “pure nonsense” because “what’s the point of locking up a door if there are multiple entrances?”
Sykes further stated that he is satisfied and is certain that Taylor operates the shop and was found to be in possession of the firearm by virtue of being in possession of said key. The police also reported that they discovered cell phones, sim cards, and cash totaling over two hundred thousand dollars in Taylor’s house.
Meanwhile, the incident at fisheries was again brought before the court, as the Chief Justice says he understands that discussions were had at a yard, with Blackman stating his intention to “guh ova fisheries and kill some yute”. The former gang member turned state witness said he was instructed by Blackman to scout for police ahead of the fisheries trip. The incident reportedly involved an act of arson and murder of a couple allegedly by the gang.
The witness also mentions seeing bottle bombs, which would have been used at fisheries, and alleges some persons were armed.
Analyzing this, sykes says this suggests that persons gathered to commit a serious offense. Therefore, he notes even before they left for fisheries, their actions demonstrate the existence of a criminal organization. Regarding the molotov cocktail bombs and the purpose of the mission, sykes says it’s unlikely those involved were unaware of what was about to happen.
The chief justice continues his summation when court resumes, Thursday.
Reporter: Nasika Alliman
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