Jack Joseph, a resident of Pottersville, has been exonerated from a murder charge nearly 12 years after the incident, as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Sherma Dalrymple, has decided to discontinue the case against him.
The incident, which occurred on June 3, 2012, at the former entertainment venue Krazy Koconuts Club in Castle Comfort, involved Joseph being accused of the shooting death of Wayne Maxwell, also known as Hadderz, from Bath Estate. Maxwell tragically succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained during an altercation.
On January 16, 2024, Joseph appeared before the High Court indicted on a charge of murder. At the arraignment, he pleaded not guilty to the charge, and trial in the matter was scheduled for March 6, 2024.
His attorney, Dawn Yearwood Stewart, had previously indicated to the Court her intention to file a certain application regarding this case. However, during today’s Court proceedings on February 6, the DPP formally gave notice to the Court that she had filed a notice of discontinuance in the matter in accordance with the provisions of Section 72(2) (c) of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
While not mandated to provide a justification for her decision, Dalrymple nevertheless explained that her conclusion was based on a comprehensive review of the evidence in the case and the statements provided by eyewitnesses.
According to her assessment, this was a clear instance of self-defense on Joseph’s part.
Consequently, Justice Williams instructed Joseph that he was free to leave.
Question? was he charged with firearm related oggences, cause he is not a firearm licence holder?
I am not surprised of her action! she is well known to be linked to characters. No wonder she left the cricketer who is nice and law abiding and now is linked to a well known murderer and drug dealer in the international airport site error.
I listened to Simeon Joseph as usual lying to the UWP acolytes on Q95.Patrick John and DLP was removed from office because they wanted to pass a law called the Seditious and Undesirable Publication would make it an offence to Libel and Slander the STATE not an individual.It would be an offence for Lennox Linton and the UWP cabal to publish anything against the STATE.Now me,the CLOWN has investigated several indictable matters,completed case files, stood on the witness stand with the DPP as prosecutor, and received fire from defence councils.So the Clown is a high court man,who has also been the victim of a lawsuit and WON.The Clown,me,is not in your class of stupidity,laziness and ignorance,you must go back to school and stop you Propaganda,fake news and lies.It is that level of stupidity and ignorance the reason Skerrit have you in cage for 24 years and counting.There was a magazine at DGS called look and learn.You,me,must READ and learn.
Before an indictable case file reaches the office of DPP it has to go through a number of stages.If ole police is really an ole police explain to the people what has to happen before the file is in the hands of the DPP.And tell the people what is the role of the DPP.Waiting Mr.Sir,ole police.
The DPP is the one to prosecute cases, and also has the power to discontinue cases, however, such an indictment of public interest should be heard and let the jurors decide. I know in such cases before charges are laid, the police would have to consult with the office of the DPP for pre-charge advice. In my view the DPP is either lacking confidence in court or doesn’t understand the evidence. Sometimes in certain cases you won’t find direct evidence at all cost, and some of our DPPs and mostly the new ones with attitude do not take their time to understand circumstantial evidence, neither let the investigators explain the case to them if they do not understand it. The attorney general needs to investigate her decision and if she does not fit the position replace her. Put all politics aside. You cannot just discontinues a murder case so as you like because you can do it. Remember somebody child has been murdered, so let the case goes on and let the jurors weigh the evidence before…
and it took 12 years to come to dat conclusion.
is dis a comedy show madam?
it is your actions dat discredits de DPP office and bring it into disrepute.
not we in de public speaking with clear sight!
you must imagine what people see from de outside looking in.
Why did it take 12 years???
As an Insp.of police Sye should know,and must know,any published false statement that is damaging to a person reputation is LIBELThat is so,because the media whore on Q95 continue to play the song over and over again.Look at the comments on DNO,most are libelous.Murphy Know Jules(Sye) is my friend and,I wish the DPP would not go to court.in a suit.If the DPP decides to suit Sye will have to prove without a reasonable doubt what he sang in public is true.Now,all those aholes calling the media whore on Q95 and all those recalcitrant aholes posting BS on DNO is not going to help,and cannot help him.
@Lin Clown
You are a dam clown not a lawyer.
You are an embarrassment to yourself. Go to school.
I’d like to note that many of these cases were investigated long before the now dpp was placed into office. Had the police officers who investigated these matters done there job, the case would not be dragged on for all this time. We need more magistrates here in Dominica so that cases can be heard and tried swiftly.
police investigate and brings the matter before the court it is left on them to bring the matter(s) forward not the police
If the DPP is scared or for whatever reason, unable to do her job she should do what’s right and resign. These discontinuances should no longer be accepted as it will lead to a society of vigilantism. This government continues to think this is a joke and puts people in positions because of association. This is serious business. People it’s already very late let’s make the necessary change before it becomes too late. See what years of mal administration done to our Haitian brothers and sisters; nothing works there any more. Change
You all are sending a very very dangerous message to those out there who see no problem in killing.. Just remember those people will kill anyone as well.
So why the bogus incitement charges against honourable Lennox Linton et al, can’t be discontinued? This country is mired in politics of hate. No wonder the country is last in everything according to foul mouth, “tete calbas” Reggie!
The year has just started and by now most of us have lost count when it comes to the number of “discontinued” cases prevailed over by our dear DPP..aka..”Judge, Jury & Executioner”..
It wasn’t that long ago when the foreign judge called out the entire “legal fraternity” here on island..basically accusing them of “running a racket” at the expense of everyday Dominicans..and none of them could say anything..
Twelve years to call a murder case?..with the accused most likely out on bail?..and then use the old “lack of evidence” to undermine the little that’s left of our “justice system”?..
But who cares?..certainly not our DPP..and, apparently, neither the majority of our “peace loving” Dominicans.
Hmmmmmmmm
Hopefully “she” (no name no warrant) will see that there is no evidence Insp. Sye meant to defame her in his calypso but rather speaking the truth of societal ills on behalf of all of us. I ask, when, OHHHHH when is this cabal going to STOP harassing and day-karlay-ing Bawi people once they are “perceived” of not being a cabal supporter? Ayeeeeeeee Dominique! Tick tok, tick toc!!!!
According to her assessment, this was a clear instance of self-defense on Joseph’s part. WTF. Would a prosecutor not have to review that before filing charges. So the DPP has turned to the judge.
Is that how the case against the American guy who allegedly murdered the Canadian couple is going to end?
When a crime is committed,Felony or indictable,the matter is reported to the police.CID is informed and a police officer is detailed to investigate the matter.A case file is prepared by the investigating officer.The DPP is the last person to see and handle the case file.I am asking all the PhD of law,all the Kings Council,LC Matthew,Bwa Banday,Zandoli,Hello and DNO Reader,what happens to that case file before it gets to the DPP?Who is the first person the file has to go to when it is completed?What is the process before that case file get to the DPP?What is the rank of the last police officer to handle the case file before it reach the DPPand what is the role of the DPP?Waiting for an answer.
@Clown
I thumb you down without reading your garbage. I always do that.
You never make sense.
So, if you judge and dismiss something before understanding it, what does this say about you, huh? I bet you did not think of this before posting.
ENCOREE !!
so people does just commit murder and get away with it in DCA…. smfh
Discontinuance of murder and attempted murder cases is of little or no surprise in Dominica these days. This is due mostly to the sloppy work of the uneducated police thugs and the inadequacy of the DPP.
For the many botched cases both have presided over, their monthly take-home salaries should be $0.00. The country does not get value for its tax dollars.
Thank you very much Sherma Dalyrmple; the blood of Wayne is on your hands.
I guess right now no one need to go to court to prove their innocence.
Time will tell.
By the way, the DPP needs to be renamed, Director of Notice(s) of Discontinuance
This is very typical of the Roosevelt led maladministration. It is bedevilled, stretched to capacity, with triangular pegs in square holes.
In this government, every post is occupied by an incompetent member of the hierarchy. This the primary reason for Dominica to be at the cellar position in the sub-region in terms to the economy and infrastructural development.