Murder Trial: Accused Claims Pastor Kevin Smith Killed Gardner at Pathways Church
Andre Ruddock took the witness stand in his murder trial, claiming Dr Kevin Smith — not him — killed Taneka Gardner at a St James church in 2021.
Ruddock Points Finger at Pastor in Pathways Church Murder Trial
According to the Jamaica Observer, Andre Ruddock testified in his own defence on Monday at the Home Circuit Court in Kingston, asserting that Dr Kevin Smith was responsible for the death of Taneka Gardner, 39, and not himself.
Ruddock is standing trial for Gardner's murder, which prosecutors say occurred on October 17, 2021, at the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries on Albion Street in St James. The prosecution alleges that Ruddock carried out the killing on Smith's instructions — Smith having served as pastor of the church.
Following an address to the seven-member jury by his attorney, Anthony Williams, Ruddock was escorted from the prisoner's dock to the witness stand, where he gave sworn testimony.
He told the court he was attending to animals on the property when he observed Gardner kneeling and Smith cutting her throat with a knife. He said the pastor then walked away from where Gardner had fallen.
Ruddock further claimed that Smith proceeded to a boardwalk and opened fire on police with a firearm.
Source: Jamaica Observer