New York man faces murder trial in BVI over tourist's death
A financial consultant from Long Island is on trial in Tortola, accused of killing a visitor from Connecticut on a beach in the British Virgin Islands.
New York man faces murder trial in BVI over tourist's death
Court proceedings have begun in Tortola against an American man accused of ending another vacationer's life during a trip to the British Virgin Islands.
William Labrador, who worked as a financial consultant and was raised in an affluent part of Long Island, stands accused in the killing of Lois McMillen. The 34-year-old victim, who came from Connecticut, was discovered dead on a shoreline in January of the previous year. Authorities believe she was assaulted before being submerged in the water.
Three other men who traveled with Labrador are also defendants in the matter, charged with assisting in efforts to conceal what happened.
The British Virgin Islands rarely sees killings of this nature—official statistics suggest the territory experiences approximately four such deaths per year. McMillen belonged to a prominent American family, counting among her ancestors a figure who put his signature on the Declaration of Independence.
Labrador has been confined in a correctional facility perched in the hills above Tortola for over twelve months while awaiting the start of his hearing. His mother has made periodic trips to see him and recently provided clothing for his court appearances. In remarks to ABC News, she spoke warmly of her son, calling him physically striking and intellectually gifted, and said she would find him engaging even without their familial bond.
The victim's parents, Josephine and Russell, have shared their anguish publicly. They described their daughter as exceptionally affectionate and an integral part of their household. Her father recalled her striking appearance and the central role she played in their family unit.
The case has drawn attention because of the contrast between the accused men's backgrounds and the tranquil setting where the violence occurred.
Source: Google News VG — Crime