Andre Ruddock convicted of murder at Pathways church ritual in St. James
A Home Circuit Court jury found Andre Ruddock guilty of murdering Taneka Gardner, whose throat was slashed at a church gathering in St. James in 2021. Sentencing is set for January 22.
Ruddock found guilty of Pathways church murder; sentencing set for January 22
A Home Circuit Court jury has convicted Andre Ruddock, 36, of murder in connection with the killing of Taneka Gardner at the Pathways International Kingdom Ministries in St. James, iriefm.net reports.
Gardner, 39, died on October 17, 2021, after her throat was slashed during a gathering at the church. The Crown alleged that Ruddock carried out the act on the instruction of then Pastor Kevin Smith.
Smith was arrested in connection with the murder but died in a motor vehicle accident in Bog Walk, St. Catherine later that same year while being transported by police to Kingston for interrogation.
Senior Defence Counsel Anthony Williams contested the allegations throughout what he described as a tough case. He said the defence had been optimistic of a not-guilty verdict, arguing that key witnesses had been discredited during the proceedings.
Williams confirmed that Ruddock maintains his innocence and that an appeal will be filed.
Sentencing has been scheduled for January 22.
Source: Google News JM — Crime