The preliminary inquiry into the death of Ashanti Riley commenced before the 8th Magistrates’ Court in Port-of-Spain on Tuesday to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial against Luciano Quash.
Quash, a PH taxi driver, is represented by attorneys Fareed Ali, Sherry Ann Singh, Adita Ramkisson and Althea Glaude.
The 18-year-old girl took a PH-taxi at the corner of Hunte and Lloyd Street, San Juan, on November 29, 2020. She was expected to meet her boyfriend before heading to her grandmother’s house to celebrate the woman’s birthday. However, despite their meeting point being 10 minutes away, she never arrived.
Ashanti’s remains were discovered in Cakelands, La Canoa, on December 4, 2020.
Quash, believed to be the driver of the PH-taxi, was arrested and interrogated by the TTPS – his statements were also recorded.
After evidence was taken and CCTV footage reviewed, he was charged with murder on December 13, 2020, by PC Sean Thomas of the Homicide Bureau of Investigations.
Jennifer Osborne and Tricia Hudlin-Cooper are representing the State from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Prosecutors are relying on 53 statements disclosed from 36 witnesses. The defence sought to cross-examine seven police witnesses and one civilian. However, one of the officers was exposed to COVID-19 and was unable to appear.
According to a statement from Quash’s defence attorneys, the sole civilian witness they requested cannot be found by the TTPS despite attempts to locate him.
State Counsel, Jennifer Osborne, indicated that efforts to find the individual between September and November were unsuccessful. However, the attorneys will be attempting to locate the man or make allowances to have his statements admitted in his absence.
As a result, the matter will return to court on December 16.
The inquiry commenced virtually before Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle-Caddle on November 24 and 25.
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