Two men who prosecutors say played a part in a double murder denied the allegation during their arraignment in the Supreme Court yesterday.
Giovanni ‘Gio’ Roberts, 30, and Stephen ‘Die’ Stubbs, 37, both of Ridgeland Park, appeared before Senior Justice Jon Isaacs charged with two counts of abetment to murder.
Isaacs told the men that they were accused of abetting the September 15, 2011 murders of Gamacio Jones and Clayton Smith.
The men, who are on remand, pleaded not guilty. They are expected to be tried on the allegations on April 21, 2014 before Justice Indra Charles.
Jones and Smith were found fatally shot in a car on Roland Avenue in Ridgeland Park. Police have not charged the alleged gunman.
In other court news, a man accused of having three bulletproof vests will be tried in 2014.
Dino Randal Bethel, who is also known as Deon Rudolph Bethel, denied allegations that he was found with body armor on June 27, 2012.
Bethel, who is on bail, received an August 18, 2014 trial date.
By Artesia Davis
Guardian Senior Reporter
