Three officers involved in the killing of Azario Major learned that they will stand trial for manslaughter in his 2021 shooting death.
On Friday, Sergeant Antoine Sweeting, Sergeant Jamal Johnson and Corporal Deangelo Rolle were formally committed to stand trial on December 13, when they appeared before Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux.
They remain on $9,900 bail.
What’s an arraignment?
In the initial court appearance known as an arraignment, the presiding judge will formally announce the charges to the defendant.
During this critical phase of the judicial process, the officers charged with the crime hear the specific allegations against them.
The judge will call upon the accused by name, ensuring they understand the gravity of the situation. At this juncture, the accused must decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty.
Additionally, the judge informs the defendant of their fundamental right to legal representation.
Following these proceedings, the court considers the matter of bail. The judge holds the discretion to require bail as a condition for release or to waive it entirely, allowing the defendant to remain free without financial surety, pending trial.
What are the allegations?
Azario Major, 31 was killed on December 26, 2021, outside of a nightclub on Fire Trail Road. The officers implicated, alleged he pulled a gun after he was evicted from the building for disorderly conduct.
Major reportedly left in his vehicle but returned to the establishment with a gun. The officers shot him multiple times and he died on the scene. Forty-five bullet casings were recovered from the scene.
How did they get here?
The case received national attention when a US-based Bahamian vlogger circulated a video of the shooting, attempting to dismiss the claims by the police. Major’s family also hired a private investigator.
The jury in the Coroner’s court, more than a year ago, unanimously classified his death as manslaughter, though it can not determine criminal liability.
The officers fought back and requested that the Supreme Court overturn the Coroner’s Court ruling, citing pretrial publicity. However, it was unsuccessful since the officers had not yet been charged with a crime.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with official responsibility for reviewing all rulings from the Coroner’s court, has now decided to prosecute the officers.