Big Smith News Watch Reports | The indictable charges of attempted murder and robbery under arms against 19-year-old St Lucian national Condoleezza Henry and her co-accused, Kristoff Nicholas, have been withdrawn and dismissed after a financial settlement was reached with the victim.
The decision was made in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty. The court received confirmation that both defendants had complied with the terms of compensation, with each family providing $300,000 to the victim, totaling $600,000.
In light of this settlement, the prosecution withdrew the indictable charges, leading to their dismissal by the court. However, Henry and Nicholas will continue to face several other related charges connected to the same incident.
Henry has been charged with possession of a firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without a license. Nicholas faces three counts: possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a license, and escape from lawful custody.
Following a review request from their defense attorneys regarding the previously set bail for the remaining charges, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty granted bail at $75,000 for each charge. Consequently, Henry was granted a total bail of $150,000, while Nicholas received a total of $225,000. Both cases have been adjourned to March 4 for further proceedings.
The charges stem from a June 20 armed robbery during which 69-year-old operations manager Claudius Fraser was shot in the chest. Although Fraser has since been discharged from the hospital, the bullet remains lodged in his chest, and he still requires surgical intervention.
Earlier court sessions revealed that negotiations were ongoing with the victim, and Fraser ultimately expressed his willingness to accept a compensation of $300,000 from each accused. This payment was completed prior to the latest court hearing.
It is important to note that while the settlement addressed the indictable charges, it does not extend to the firearm-related charges or the charge of escape from lawful custody, as emphasized by Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty. Henry and Nicholas had initially been denied bail due to the serious nature of the allegations and public safety concerns.
