On Friday, businessman Paul Mahabal, 33, was remanded following charges related to the tragic death of 16-year-old Kimberley Jones from Bel Air Village. Mahabal appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, where he faced charges of failing to provide assistance and failing to stop after the accident.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, around 9:20 PM, when Kimberley was crossing the Bel Air Public Road. At that time, Mahabal was driving a car identified as PAF 2130, traveling west along the southern side of the road. Reports indicate that the front right side of his vehicle struck Kimberley, causing her to be thrown 74 feet before coming to a stop.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Garfield Edwards opposed bail, arguing that Mahabal did not stop to assist Kimberley following the collision. Edwards stated that Mahabal passed both the Weldaad and Mahaicony Police Stations without reporting the accident and continued driving until he was apprehended at a roadblock in Mahaicony. The prosecutor also expressed concerns that Mahabal poses a flight risk.
In light of the evidence presented, Magistrate Matthias ordered Mahabal to be taken into custody. The case has been scheduled for disclosure at the Fort Wellington Magistrates Court on July 16, 2025.
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