Today, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the destiny of the 15-year-old juvenile and the 18-year-old young offender, currently on trial for the tragic murder of 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella in Kasoa, hangs in the balance as the verdict will be rendered.
The two defendants are jointly charged with conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of their acquaintance.
Following the trial presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo at the High Court in Accra, the jury is anticipated to deliberate on their verdict.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, reports that both the defense and prosecution will deliver their final addresses to the jury before the court’s summation of the trial.
The evidentiary phase of the trial concluded on February 14, with the Court granting permission for the Defense lawyers to submit their written arguments after March 14.
Senior State Attorney Dorcas Fellie informed the Court that the Prosecution had complied with the directives and orders, filing their written submissions as required.
Background
On Wednesday, February 14, which is wildly celebrated as Valentine’s Day, the second accused (18-year-old) young offender ended his case.
This was after his lawyers had indicated not calling any witness moments after State Prosecutors led by Nana Adoma Osei, a Senior State Attorney signaled the end of her cross-examination.
Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, the presiding judge following the closure of evidence, has ordered the parties to file the final closing addresses by March 14.
The Court said it would make further directives after the parties had complied with the orders regarding their oral addresses to the jury and the court’s subsequent summing up of the trial.
EIB Network Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah reports that the Prosecution called seven witnesses which include, the father, mother, and sister of the 15-year-old juvenile.
The two teenagers have been charged with conspiracy and murder of the 10-year-old Ishmael Mensah Abdella before the High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo.
While the 15-year-old juvenile (1st Accused) has admitted the offense and stated that they “committed the crime together,” the young offender (2nd Accused) has denied the charges.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh