Murder trial begins for Pathways church suspect Andre Ruddock in St James

A seven-member jury is being empanelled for the trial of Andre Ruddock, accused of killing Taneka Gardner in a 2021 alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways church.

Pathways church murder case goes to jury selection at Home Circuit Court

A seven-member jury was empanelled Tuesday afternoon for the murder trial of Andre Ruddock, the man accused of killing Taneka Gardner, 39, during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James, jamaica-gleaner.com reports.

The first witness is expected to take the stand Wednesday morning before Justice Leighton Pusey at the Home Circuit Court.

Ruddock has been in custody since the incident on October 17, 2021, nearly five years ago. He is charged with Gardner's murder, which allegedly took place inside the church. A second man, Michael Brown, was also found dead on the church premises.

Ruddock reportedly confessed to Gardner's killing.

Both Gardner and Ruddock were members of the church, which was led by the late Dr Kevin Smith. Smith died in a motor vehicle crash one week after the incident while being transported to Kingston to face charges.

Attorneys Anthony Williams and Venice Brown are representing Ruddock. Crown prosecutors Latoya Bernard and Carolyn Wright are handling the case for the prosecution.

Source: Google News JM — Crime