Accused murderer Keron Pierre has been extradited from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States to face charges relating to a triple homicide and attempted murder.
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, who is the head of the Central Authority, successfully resisted attempts by Pierre, 27, to avoid extradition to the US.
On August 23, US marshals accompanied Pierre to Newark, New Jersey. There they were expected transfer to another flight to Boston, Massachusetts, which was due to arrive in Boston early Saturday morning. Pierre is expected to appear in a US court in Boston.
The triple murders are said to have taken place on March 29, 2009, outside a house party in Boston.
It is alleged that Pierre and some of his friends were hanging out on the sidewalk in front of the house party when a car pulled up with the four victims, Anthony Peoples, Shakora Gaines, Chantal Palmer and Sharon Headley.
The four friends had reportedly left the house party when they realised that they had left another friend behind. They had just pulled up in a car to the house party to pick up their friend when they met with Pierre and his group. Following a verbal altercation between the occupants of the car and a member of Pierre’s group, it is alleged that Pierre pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and began firing into the car.
Anthony Peoples, aged 19, Shakora Gaines, aged 20, and Chantal Palmer, aged 20, were shot several times and succumbed to their gunshot wounds. Sharon Headley was the sole surviving occupant of the car.
Pierre was indicted in absentia on January 12, 2010, in the United States on three counts of murder, one count of armed assault with intent to murder and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.
After discovering that Pierre had returned to Trinidad, US authorities formally requested his extradition.
Following lengthy extradition proceedings, Ramlogan signed the extradition order on the July 31, 2013, which cleared the way for Pierre to be extradited to the US to stand trial on the charges relating to the triple murder.
The attorney general through the Central Authority liaised closely with officials in the US Department of Justice and also with officials from the local branch of Interpol to facilitate a smooth and unhindered extradition.
This is one of the many successes of the Central Authority under the direction of the attorney general. On March 31 this year, Doreen Alexander was extradited to the US to face charges relating to the kidnapping and murder of Balram “Balo” Maharaj. Alexander is currently awaiting trial in US courts.
On August 5, 2013, Gary Govindass pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking. Govindass was extradited to the US in February 2012 to face charges relating to the kidnapping of Vedesh Mohan.
The extradition process relating to his alleged co-conspirator, Hassan Atwell is currently under way.
Additionally, Andy Nelson was successfully extradited to the United Kingdom on September 14, 2012, to face two charges for conspiracy to supply and import cocaine. On February1, 2013, Nelson pleaded guilty to both charges.
The attorney general also continues to liaise with US officials and provide legal assistance and practical cooperation in relation to David Migliore, who is presently facing charges in the US of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns on approximately US$4 million.
Ramlogan has mandated the Central Authority to act swiftly on all requests for extradition and legal assistance to strengthen respect for the rule of law in the context of cross border crimes and the clear need for greater international cross-border co-operation amongst countries.
