Pathways Murder Trial: Ruddock's Confession Statement Challenged in Court

A voir dire has begun in the Home Circuit Court over whether Andre Ruddock's alleged confession can be admitted as evidence in the Pathways church murder trial.

Ruddock's Alleged Confession at Centre of Voir Dire in Pathways Church Killing Case

The evidentiary phase of the Pathways murder trial has been suspended while Justice Leighton Pusey rules on whether a caution statement containing an alleged confession by accused Andre Ruddock may be admitted, jamaica-gleaner.com reports.

A voir dire — a trial within a trial, heard in the absence of the seven-member jury — commenced Monday in the Home Circuit Court after Ruddock's lead attorney, Anthony Williams, objected to the statement being tendered as evidence. The hearing is expected to continue through tomorrow.

Ruddock stands accused of killing 39-year-old Taneka Gardner, a fellow member of his church, during an alleged sacrificial ritual at Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James in October 2021.

Detective's Account of the Alleged Admission

A detective constable testified that Ruddock made the alleged confession at the church premises on the day of the incident, after being cautioned. According to the officer, Ruddock stated: "A mi kill Taneka. Mi nah go tell yuh nuh lie, and mi a go tell yuh everything weh happen."

When asked how Gardner was killed, Ruddock allegedly replied: "Mi cut har neck."

The detective told the court he had informed Ruddock of his right to legal representation and that he was not obliged to say anything, and that any statement he made could be used in evidence. Ruddock then made the alleged admission, the officer said.

The court also heard that Ruddock separately acknowledged to a detective inspector that he had killed Gardner. The inspector arrived shortly after the constable received the initial statement and asked Ruddock directly whether what he had said was true. Ruddock reportedly answered: "Yes, sir."

The detective constable further testified that Ruddock said he had been given instructions to carry out the killing but did not identify who had issued those instructions.

Three Deaths at the Compound

Gardner's body was discovered at the Pathways church compound on October 17, 2021. Michael Brown was also found dead at the site, while Kevon Plummer was fatally shot after allegedly rushing at police officers with a large knife. The prosecution contends all three deaths occurred as part of a ritual conducted at the church.

A junior minister in training previously testified that Kevin Smith — the church leader, now deceased — had instructed Ruddock to cut Gardner's throat and directed Plummer to attack police.

Police officers who responded to the scene have given evidence about items recovered from the compound, including knives, a hammer, a policewoman's belt and holster, ammunition casings, firearms and electronic devices.

Source: Google News JM — Crime