19910809 TZHC Dar es Salaam
- Citation
- 19910809 TZHC Dar es Salaam
- Status
- Judgment
- Jurisdiction
- Tanzania
- Court
- TZHC
- Decision
- 9 August 1991
- Posture
- Criminal / Judgment
- Language
- English
More details
- Court
- TZHC
- Decision
- 9 August 1991
- Posture
- Criminal / Judgment
- Language
- English
On this page
Professional case brief
Research organized from the available case record
01
Holding and result
The prosecution failed to discharge its burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt due to inconsistencies in the evidence of PW3 and failure to call corroborative witnesses. The accused's version was reasonably consistent and credible, creating sufficient doubt. The accused is entitled to acquittal.
Court disposition
acquittal
Orders
- Accused is acquitted unless held for other lawful cause.
- Accused to be released forthwith.
- Court assessors thanked and discharged.
02
Material facts
Parties
Mr. M. Mronecla
Respondent Advocate Counsel: Mr. M. MroneclaMr. Ncyanabe
Accused Advocate Counsel: Mr. Ncyanabe03
Procedural history
Posture
Criminal / Judgment
04
Questions and positions
Legal issues
- 01
Whether the accused caused the death of the deceased
- 02
Whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt
- 03
Credibility of key witness PW3
- 04
Whether the accused attempted suicide after the incident
Party arguments
- Applicant
- Prosecution relied heavily on the evidence of PW3, asserting that the accused caused the death of the deceased and attempted suicide thereafter. Prosecution argued that the accused's actions and presence at the scene, as well as inconsistencies in witness testimony, pointed to guilt.
- Respondent
- Defense challenged the credibility of PW3, highlighted inconsistencies in her testimony, and argued that the prosecution failed to call crucial witnesses. Defense maintained that the accused's version was consistent and prosecution did not prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
05
Court’s reasoning
Legal principles
- 01
general criminal law
Burden of proof in criminal cases rests on the prosecution to prove all material facts beyond reasonable doubt.
- 02
general criminal law
Doubt in prosecution's case must be resolved in favor of the accused.
- 03
general criminal law
Corroboration required for evidence of interested witnesses.
06
Ratio, limits and disposition
Ratio decidendi
The prosecution failed to discharge its burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt due to inconsistencies in the evidence of PW3 and failure to call corroborative witnesses. The accused's version was reasonably consistent and credible, creating sufficient doubt. The accused is entitled to acquittal.
Obiter and limits
- It is unsafe to rely solely on the evidence of an interested witness without corroboration.
- The prosecution should have called additional witnesses to clarify material facts, especially regarding the events leading to the deceased's death.
Court disposition
acquittal
- Accused is acquitted unless held for other lawful cause.
- Accused to be released forthwith.
- Court assessors thanked and discharged.
Source and reliance status
TZHC · 9 August 1991
This page organises the available record for research. Confirm quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the official source before relying on the case.
Judgment reading view
Judgment text
The complete available source text.
TZHC
Judgment· 9 August 1991
.! J U ~ G iI :Q..£ 2J_ on or ""~)out Jtihe 5·i;h cl..·;? of Februc..i.--.y1 c/i; D1-t.1coni r:i:·cn. ui<;:>.iu IlcJ.c Dis·;;rj.o•~ S·iin:i;c AJi;-'iio1'11CC :Zo=,: ~:.t one ti;.1c rn.os ~~01'oos0 too:;: p:;.rt i11 t:.10 1,:;:osccutio,1, n~u1 n.t so;:rn SJticgo o;:!c H:r. i'i:.,.lc,:x:. ·~oo:: ovc-;; c.:1,_,_ in n.not'..:cr s·~r~c o;,ic Hr. :\>'"Uld, 1E1c le.st a•t::-.,:-;c 0:2 -~>c :'xocccdi11(;:J w.:-.,o :::.c,.:.._,_lo,:.. 1:;;r enc li:r. iriroac;clc.., lcr..r11ocl SJi;c/i;c AttoI'HO~... As :Zor t:1c r.ccu:::o~,_ \mrcvcr :Hr. 1Jd.7e11r,~:r; .:c.,::i :;cca ::c..nc.lliric EJ.i.7n. Hu,7n uc.s ~.12,'.i::C-i cc_l to ·0.~.:.c .'.cco.:·nc::'. flHn.jLi.:x-... A :.'.: l12L :--~1.:. ~)o·~J1 l1G.:.._ 1'our ,.,. children, l~cuoc~1. u::-.o "' ;,1i,--Lt iTr~-:;c: ~;-.1.::;.l i;.1 c-, ~·:.:i -·,::.-l;c cc.;·.1:.: c.lV c..a~l -~110 c1.cb'i:fr.,sc:\ c j_W.:)lio holiclny OB T..10 clcccc:.occ1. i"l1rc.jL~:1a, ooccrc.1.inc 2 2 It is n.1::io :C'.i:"O,] J~-l.C cvj.;"'.c:..1cc -;;~_'.Q ooux·~ lT[l,S toL1.. ·t:.. c.,t 8.CCL!SC:.1.. lTC..S SODCWhcrc ' ontsiclc :.:.ii:; >.oLi_oc ir:~c;.1 ·the lc.n~"'...;;ovol' cr~:io 2.n~:. 11c o;:u :.~i:3 uifCl MrTn.ju:.1a. I M~1.. hio ais•k: in k.~r l.slm (P:13) dir..:c:.1~:;nx::in·; f:co:.1 t.:10 lc.ndz-ovcr• 1 A qua.r1 ol cm:t!c:1- .1Jc·~rrco:.1 the coui,lc, o..ccL:.oc::'.. ar.l t!.10 c."'..occc.soc1., 1Jtf, 00011 1 tl1cxcd·l;cx- -;;:~c p.:i:.'tics ore o/ic.:.
-~o :.:::--.;-vc co:.1p:t'o:.1isec1. c,.i.lc"'.. 1ro11-'.; to their 1Jccl.- roor.1, Accu.scrl b.rul only tw:.,, :rco::ir.;, oac uc:.o -"c:10 :.1,:;;;:rL.10:..lia.l r-00;:1 r:nc'. t.'.10 (Y;;:~m.' 0~10 ir::'..□ used cy i the chilb:1011. Al'tn (F.r3) olc.L.1c(l in J.:.cr cvi :':.0:100 ·;;.'.:2t sl10 .:~ucic.lc-.1• -~o sleep on the floor in t.:w n.ccuoo·."'.. ts ;.10.tri~.1onin.l ;:,0cl n,f·i;or MCt.1.soc'. .'.:,,c..(_l <10011.rccl fl.sh.a, (P:13) thn:t accuse,: 11n.c ;_:oin::: for i'rox~;: in t;ic_:;; :3a;-.1c 1-u.ar'c• '.lhiic Glcoi,in,.::;, encl n.ttcz- r.1iili1ic;h-'c, p:;3 '..:cc'.X'C::. n. lone cry "':.1~:1c:. ;1cla.1f D.. 1 :x,.;·.m 11:~ktll'c.. 11 ·;r..,011 FJ3 opcnou. wn.o frir_;h-'ccnc ~- c..:1c"'.. rnir..:oc1.. c,lc:r::1. Accuocc1.. cll~soc'. '.,er -~o-;;,:-_j.'d.r.: ouJi;siclc the houso- oml who,1 :.:a c--:L:L'.. :-:.o·~ cntcll .::-.c:r ~:o rc·:;t::rne::!. t0 :~i::: ~:oo:::~ :i.'..lil.c f out □ii.1..c ho11ovor n:13 COllGJ.nt:.OC .i,11 .l • "I 1 I > • ' 1·1 1 ,.._..,~•-•_,, .-'1 •, ..... , ...~. • "GO l'::'.180 C.. r::ra c.;.-ic CVC;!'GU~'.- J' :.i::::.,;:r :"):: :, C ;.,'--'""--OJ.C-,, -•·- ,:- w.,.Q SCCllC 1 ~"T Folicc ;,e,xc c..lr.:o im:'or:.1cc.l• In ·the· "<-• Lff .• ~ lc, • """'c~l~-•hi' lU '·oF~vc..,.. . • . I..; ·J.:, ~•~!.Co",...c··l . ._, ,:, L 1 ' " ·, . ..I.e. .• l':.. ocn:rch H.:~.o c01-:.t"':.1.'lc·k::..l in the Police continuc~1. -~o loo~;: to:r the
::::.ccu □ cL1... Fau c1.1(!o ln.tcr he u;._3 "i;::,Z:en to t<::lico , ..r:..l:. :-?i~rnll~r c1:; j,: ;eel :ii ·cl:. -;;::.c ;_)I'voo:i.1t offence. oo:r'iir-n.clict ll.ccu::;c..l i7-~,ro cvi-:1..cncc 0:1 02:Li.'.: -~o ·!;210 cccu.o,:,·0ior:.1J ~\;c.i:1ot :1L:i. IIc ro oio-:;c2;;, t·,ccorl'J.n;~; to tb.c MCl.Ulocl -::uocc: t :J ni,.:.o:1cc t:20.t :.10 lo-:1xll"G (r::3) t1iu. not re-turn !1or.1c 1,011' '1.ln.>r .:.J. -.'i:J 1· ·'u· --~,... l,< .• 1 .. "o·'·.IJ 11· '-e-.Jv J..r. ·"'oX 1 ·r J. ,..l. Then 1:!.Ccuoc::.l 1-1m1t be.ck 7.oo .. "t • .. , ho~.10 nhcre . •. C L.00::i. .. 0 : Ui.l"~il ~occGcc(~\ return. Accuocd '·· ... 'rro clid not 1illL'.. !2cr Jchoro a::: ~w ro·~m•;.10:. ~-~•'::-.1c ['.J:'ri Vine.; ·ii:icl'O c.;:JouJi; 11.35 p.;:1. Accucc~:. loti.1-:.:. ~- lc::nL1..rovo:r i·;::r;.~c~:. ciutcL~.c t:.10 ;1or!.rJ0 1 1.lc ,J.Ll.. not clicl not totl.:or to soc it t!ioro, o..E·~catly Jc'.10..t o.ny of ·~Lo -~c;,1c'..i1"tn ,.1i,_;;.1t . hn.vc so,:10 co:1::.10::ic:1 ui·~l1 it. li.crl.._r~o . .,. t::011 1rc:.lkc,,_ to hi'o l'co;-.1, ·llio door ucs shut t..1.our;!1 :.:ot loo:;:cC:.. Uc ho[.'..I'~:. ~,oo:'lo ·kD:i:1:·_; ..?.ro~.1 -;;110 rco;:1, Accused. lmookocl .::-:b -~:.ic ::.oo:r 1 t:.1011 pus::e('. -~>. a c'!.cor tou~nlc t::c roo;·.1, Pot.'!.l' peoplo 1 two nalcs o.11L1. -~-ro :fo::1clcs ucr·c ~resent in t:~c rec:::,, ..--..ccL'..;:;c:'. ·~ol:.1. the court1 It is a.loo -~~10
~.cctmcJ. • o tostiao::.:y -~:~.c-.t t:.10 t'irn ol"'..cr c:2iL°'.i'c:.1 o1 the e,ccuoccl wore in t:.-..oi:r ro•Ji.1 .:-.a.l ·i;110 yoiu1cc"'' onoo were Li t.ho :::c::t:;-10,l 'o l'•::;or.1 whoro tho four persons ·.:ere convcroinc,. .Lccucc~1.. 0:11;:;r i ·.cr::'.;L:'ic: -~:.,.c 1.:-.<lics, 112.;.1cly his • ✓.•M, ' W1J: C 1-.uTQ.Jl'J.i.1('. 1 s.!.CI' '"-11(. ' Sl• ::rcor ' • 111 1 CH ,~3:.lD, ' ' ( ...~•, r3) • he so.w hi:,:; u::.:fo (~:.ococ..rJc:l) sit•~in::;· on t:~cir '.:c~: ~-j_,·Gh one o2 "iib.o acn while .Asha. ( P:T3) 1;,.--.c ..Ji ·:;-~in,-:; en r-., cc.::-.,c.'..:. ,,i -~:1 ·i;:ic -::it:1c.:r :.1r.n. L a;.1t,ll lrnp, ttid. h."'..toJ.i ti wa.s l l.·t , i , C • ·i:;~:c ·· 1·.-. 1 t ur,s 011. J.C,.l "'°", n-r-J· ·1 lo- ,,J.. ·.Cl i., ... \ .... cc·~-·-,.·) ...1 ..,n. f.·. J, .. ,C... ~:-:tr C",CCUCC(s, S llC pC'.::~-\.c: :c · .. l)u·c sLo qttlc:-;:ly intro~:ucc:'. .:-,ccucc . : fo ·:il:c ·i;, ··J :.:er.. Sml::.01:ly the lic;h·i; of the "lti :):::~.: .li II uC'..s put off.. Il.ccnoc~: 1C:_. ~Tc-..n ::ra :1 £i·:;;:-,;;.1i:.'.inc r 1 .:~ tho lloor to proven·~ -~.'.le int..•1.,ia::.crs froi..1 :_;oLv·; ,-:>t.r~. i.s : .c n.lar..1cll -~:.10 :1oi:J1bou.rs for ;.1clp he hcrcrcl t.1.1c voioo o1 his wife s~ria; "jc.;-.12..ni :·.mnniuc,". S.~_\c:.-c wo..s to-'i;al w:-..rltnoss, , ~ o,ccusc.:.. 110::r~1:,.'1c,·., -'- r..n: . J.l'l (i~lc COlU':JC ,;:i_.., 'G:.:o • • • • •• '.n
• J.l"~CO..,'J J 1 aCCL1;JC: .. ·, • ~10 t con·'-:u'•1U.C ' CCU.I.~. · ...1,0 1, st~.nc:. fir..1 .:-;c -:.~,o ,_"_::·o:r 2.-'i'l•,: cspccfr,11~'· u:.2c11 l:o wo..a hurt i;,1 -:Lo acolc. .Acc1,,wcc:. Accuscc.l foll w1con:3iot,:J ,..:1~~ c~;·.10 tc :rcr:.lisc ·ti.:).r.t ::-.c 1,.::-..s :..t Tc,.1cLc hcs1:iita.l 011 7/2/86. lft..-t 110 s·::---:-cr1 .•.•·0°"0 U"+o ~ .L "\..,(,,, l:' "' 15/2/u0 6 ...lJ ..... ..... J •,c··J..!. .,._ • • 1'0 T-T"-" .'..J.. ,,.ci,,,,.,;,Cl1 ··.,,,J. J.,,,~on to , , L, .. ,... ll O ,::,,, __ ,_ 'l.. VL.~~ F.ro~.1 -~~10 c'li.:unoo tI10 r:r:. r.1ocL'.tion oou:-.~_1t -;;~ ·rove t.1.:>.C! Iollowinc;s ... ( -.l) n-1,,·'· .1.,;.. <..., u .1.•10 u_.__ 1 '\.- \. .,.J !.... ITir-. CCe""O, _\ c... J·u;1:1 _c.., .ll ;..,:·-<--- <..41 T., ',,.',,.11.., w· 2 .,.. ...., ,...;l~J 1 ......... • c·1... 1-,,r l"V ·lflo .:i.cc usoc'. Eliyo.. lirn::;;r.:.; ( 2) ilir/i; -~ho lci.llil:.-; ·f:;::.s nd 2.cciclc11tcJ. bl'."~ n. Violent oncJ (3) ~~2:::.t it was c'.cno ui·;;:.1 ;.i~lico d0:roth0ucJ.,.:~. . ... ./4 . ., .. __ ,._ ....... In ru.tsifc;inc: ·;;,'.co ;·:,ci:1 icsl.Jc, ·Ll.::.:- -~ is w:1~t:.icr cr:.usc.~ 1. ·~ s cor.1S.l tho dee cc.so:. r o _"'..oci,·J.1, the 1-roscct:•~i on/is ~.,cavilJ rclyinc on ·iihc cvit.1.cncc of Asha (E~3). the clcccz'.sc;_: c111. ·c~w"i:i her cvi('.cncc is cnrro1~orctc.1. in so;:1e ;:1c.:~or1nl particulr..1·s ~-0r t:10 oviclcncc cf D/Dct
iit,;:iuc'.i·(P.II) ro1c1. "D/C .i1l:):101100 (PTT2). It is the: lc:·:.. l1c:'.. S·~o.,-I;e :.ttori::.o,:r I s cu·:):-.iic:::i0n -~ho:'~ t.hc cvic."':.cncc of P.lI 0 TJ.1c,t 2.ftcr t;.-J s tutsucccssful suiciclnl M"G r.-.ccuoor:. ·l;ool;: 2.. l1L:.o .:•.:I; Tcao\:o l:os1 i tc.J. for ·l;:roatr.1011t n.nc1. in of his c.c-cc:l 1121.10 of Eliya H.1.:~7;:-.,. MCUSOt1,. .ti.tt·-rncy t.loc::i ~10·!; 1x:licvG the ;:-:cct:fJci'.. t:::: ntor~7 th~-t ~)_(.; ;_.-·:,~,:.- :~ c,t ~c!.1e cloor of his rooi: one.. ncunte:::'.. ;rc.:iir.di:'1100 ['.nc:. c.t ·c1ic or-.;:w ti.:1c r:Jitic-~~ 2. lc.Js.1 :2c:!' 2.ssis-tm1co. If ·!;bis further tu1ui·~-~c~~ "lil:..o.:1i it is no·~ c-:i:.1oistcntly true tlJ.:::.t o..ccnneC.. m-.s unconscioqs n.ftcr Cr',vi;;.1:::; been uoU1.1'.:.e 7. on,: <~-c ·i;.":c Gui:10 tir:io l1c rc:.10;.:·:~ere~:. -lio have run niter tho r.10n. ITo c..lsc -.i"cx;.1 .crc,1. J::. •r,;- .. 1: tt::.cof.lc1e-nr,cI'G011 woul:.....::cvo c1..isn.ppon.roc"'.. fl'o:.1 tho 1 In the reason to ..1;--~:.:o :i:c ~)o1icw).:,lc 1 1t:c::c0G t:.-io :::ccuso,:>tr.; r."'..cionco c:.0os nc·i; in Nl;ji·Tcy orcr. to a r-c~ r.::on: ~-le ~1-0n:)t ~,~;-:--.in0·c t):.c :·1°ooccuti c~ • c cvi:1.01100 • Thus, he scic..~ tho only ro.:-,::ic:.:~-..~j:i..c ooncluoion -~:::0:t Cc'11 ~)o ,lrc..im f1·0;-.1 t;1c ovi.1.01100 on rccorc1. Mr,. M1-1oncclr. st,~);-.u·~tccl tl.i'.:-~ ·(i:_:.co in :.10 l:ir0ct cvic:.011ce
in this l'ce;·n.rd. ITovovor, ho said, Jc:..'.c 1:.-:o·c ·c::1::t tJ.10 :"'..eccc:.r.:JC·.1.'o ~jo:1,y wn.n i'ou.11:'. ui'~::.aorc -'(illnJ.1 two stL>1JilOUlt~1s ll.l.lcl cspccidl]' :-.:;; oc:.10 vuluerc.:,le :,:'.'.J.'-!;r.; of the boc:.·· shci,s ·tlJ.,;1; t!10 nccusccl cili":ii111t, etorccl t:~or.1 1~it~: Lrcenti.::.n Ji;o 02..t.100 ·C:.1c ('..cccascd. 's .lcc;,-th (:l' o.t lc:1sJli to en.use ;Uso that tho nnr.10 cf ..:11:Jclallr'l,. 1:c:.1r-~1_"1;:-~1i, is r-. clo;:-.:c (:.c;:10notration of tho c..ccL:soc: tullt11ful n.ct ;:;.s well ns his evil in-~mr~i-:in er nine:'... Ee cite::. t!1c ca.so of TOllU.iu' Htf.i'LSULE v. il 919Go) infcrrinG r.1clicc ~oroth.ouc1J:'c. n ;.... ,., ,J ·c.'.10 hcru"..:lic ts vieu th.2/.; t:.1.0 cc.-so 2,ccinst t •• './5 :,, cspocic.11/ ~,i;lil). I'c:fc:!'01100 to "iillc cvi•::.01100 of ll.sho. ni tncss bec:·t:sc hc:r cvi~1-oncc in coL~-i; is ct Vc'.'..l"·icnca tfitb. 1-:e:r c2.'.L'licr lThilc fuc c'.e:.:c:.100 ::'..~1.;:1ito t~1;::;i; -'0!10:cc lli":,S n, scttl'llc or c., fi::li-'i; in thn.t fc:l/ccful · nic:ht, thc:ro is houcvcr a. b1sic c11.:.o:ri;ion to Johe affect ·1fa::·;; i:Z i-'G were tru.o tl1t'.:;1i•·· not wclte l1.l) -~o c-"-1::mc:r t:.1c n.lc:J'.'r.1? n1J t:.lGo rron::':.ero.'. uJ;y· ·;;j.-;.o ~-,l'osccution fcilcc: to co.11 a:ii lo:.,s·i; ,me wi tnoso o..F.x·~ ixo:i 1:;;;3 to -'cell us 1r~1.::1.t renlly hr.pponcc.'1. in thnt hot:se c:.1
t:.10 :.1i:-:J1t in c11.tcation. It is ,:..lsc ·bJ.:-.o ~:.c:Zcnco ts [l.j;cu.-:icnt thn.t if c.ccltsc .·. ;:,.c.,c1. r'/ctcr.11:-'~cc'. to co;·.r.1i t ouici:.'.c r.n:~ -'i;:.:.cn cr.usocl lti.asclf ·i;o bo a,c1;·.1i ttoC~ rJ; Tc;'.lc~;:o J:iospi tnl uhcro :10 c..oour.1ci'.. o, c'.iff c:rc1r~ 11.'I.lO o·t,hcr thn.n his own, why -~llC :~:cooccnticn failo,.'. ·i;o c.:iil the c:octor trho c.,·i;·:;cn:1c~'. ·~10 r, c,cusec.11 or c.t 101.:.s·t c:;.10 o:c ·G10 .'1ospi tc.,l Ci.1:;_· loycc :--resent ::!.u.1:·inc ·r:.c ::ccusc:.1. •s n.ur.lission? On t'..~c oo;r~:r.:,;cy, a.ccor(:.inr.; -'.;o Ith·• iU,yn.11n.:Jo, -'c~rn .::-ccr:_oc.: ~lc.uonstratccl in court how :.:o oi,c~r~ tlrn ,,r;:10lc ,:.½3;- ,:i-t:.:-. ·c!1c c~1:'..lLfrc:.1 d·~c:r ·;;J.~o ::'..ccccsc:''~u,(l bolic.la.y,. ·i2J.o c1.cccr'.,Sc:'. C'JlL. P:i3 returnee:. 1.:.c·~.10 lc.,to c'.:ii ni;·;ht in t:_o 00~.1~,n.ny of -~ro non. It is the Lc.::-.~·nc::. C0t.:.:i.1scl 's su~;;·.~issic,:,;, ·t:.1c:.t su.C::i -:or;.::.uc-i; o:Z ·;;Iw tlcccr:.scl nnc.l Rf3 very olci2J:ly :'.c:.v:-11str.:--·~c.·. ·t::.1c-:t tJ.:c ti•,o ·r( :,en, 1:cl;i:i·~:1st['..ndinc thc.-'i; the clcce:-sc:l ,,.~..,o o.. ,122I'ic.:: :ro;-_:c.n, ,rc1·c ci t2:.cr : ~c Tti tu tea i11 -~:10 acldn::; or MCOi.lplis).10,1. 011C:J. crievously ht:.:,·.,o:·. or o..ssc:.ultc::. ·c!.:c c..ccuoe-".. co..:,:1:10·.; lco_s~l,:/ :.1='£'usj.1ol1. c:.sic:c.. Thct l Mt-tn.jur.m
li.::f.c.,llr.;.:-. 'o '.':.e::th W00 ca1.:::c·:. ::;r t~1c -i;:~,) i.1-::11 -.:"t.c:.1 t:w;:r pn.nic~::c~1- owinc S.1:.io crucinl question, ns 003:roct]..:, c,:)so:cvc.1. '~r ~.;he ·~:~') Lc:-..r:10.:. CoUl:Gol, is ~rl:.c l::illcc:. the L1ccocsoc.l or cc.uscc~ her _-,:i.'iovous :)o:'..il,y hr:n.: "fi'.°,.ic>. m:.:;oc~:ncntly 02.usol.'. hor hcn.·hl1. /JJ3 correctly o:~0crvc~'. :J:r !joth sE~cs ·tiic O-;u:.:'·c :.::-o tl-rn vc:rsicno cf t:10 s-'oory, · onq e:i..ven l)y P":73 n.nd -~l\c o·~rnr by J1iJ.1e accuseC.. (:J:~I). T:.icsc two pcrG01w axe the 0111;;· eye wiJlir~csscs ,r:,o :~ave tcstiliccl on -;;_~'.c c·v"ic.lcncc tl::.at led. to -~he death of the dcceo.sccl, T.!w cou:rt >.as -;;~~.crc1oro Ji;o 00~1si<.ler n.nd clccidc n21icl1 of ensure JliJ.1.:1·l; t.1:c btu:tl..cn of proof in ;.io-c &:.i:::'•~c::. -~o ·(i:_:(e c..ccu:::ccl :;:-;cI'son, it ru.,rcys rests on the ijxosccution ,i::\o r.mr,rc ~1:.:070 n.11 -~>.c :.1::-,;~c:cicl f2c·~s of the .en.so beyond all rc.:i.0011.r.. blc clou::t., Acct.we,~ is 0;1ly rocrdxcc. Ji;o Give a reasoru:i.bly n.cceptablc c.=plarw:cioa that casts dou~)t fa1 -~::e ;-,tl:.1cl of tho oowt is whcd,b.cr ho is the one or soD.c ot~:er person(s) u:.10 cc.i.Ltsecl t:lt de2.th of J~lC clcceascd... ~10 rJrosccution ,,1u.::rc nf2irnly prove Jtj]1e.·;; i.10:,oc1y oleo oausoc.l :.1e:.vc 02.uscd the cl.cc;:ec)..sccl I s tlcath bu-~ -~he ,.:;,ccusccl pe:rsm1.
ilia cou::ch :·.n.s 110 roor,1 -'i;o speculn.tc it :-..1u.st stt:(iisfy i"iisolf, n.s 1rcll as the nsr;or:Jr.rn:.:o, t~:.c fr:,cts n.ncl e:ixcunstru1ccs o:Z tho ce1.sc lead ·:;o no thine; buJli to the accuscc: 1 B :x1.rticifir::~ion in tho aurdor o:Z -'i.110 deceased. In t.:iis c~,se ·cl:ero is no cloubJli J.;h2:t -~:.to ct.Jc fr r p:tosoct:.tion sy_-uaxely rcs·~s on t!.:i.e -:rviclence of PW3. I do not si.1p:,0J.'t Iir., M:-rone;cla's p.roposi tion the.:~ Jliiie cVicl:mcc o:Z p;-fI n.nd F.i2 docs cox-I'o:JOl'G;~o L1 so;:ie D.o..teric:w. particular the ovicloncc of Asha (P~73) • Like Mr. i'Jc\y,mc:.:)Op Lon.:.:nccl Cotmscl for the oocuscd., I do not share the vic1, of Mr. lit·ronc;c-lri, ·c::c··~ o.ccunoC::. at·i;c11p-iiccl to CO,Ji"Ji t s_µj.cide ni'te:r -~w inciclont-e 11c clo no·t .':2,vc i.'.,j.1,J ;:;cintilla. o1 eviconcc wl1ich at lcat uc rcfo:r ~Go i"t. Ao M:r. Hc\yn.11abo openio:;.1ml, if t:10 YJI'Osccti.tion 1rruttod the oom·~ J~o believe ·r.w/.; accused rn.n oJ;r;:.y i~.u.10:·j_;:::;;\..1y ci'tor -;;_·,.o :.d.llinc of the doccn.soc.l anLl JGJ.1c,t uc::.o never seen tl:c whole cl.-:iz_~ of '/2/''I" ) • .,0 callccl at least one 1ri tncs::; tlw ·i;c11 coll J..c.-:~i~o:r ·A ·:Le r-.:i:02, 1 o:c one of tho oocur.:ed 1 s fellou -~cl1~1"~s (who,ucre 11 in 111..1·.:~)e::), or ·the llr yeu:r: old. son (o.s '..10 t~1e11 ~rn.a) o:c ·c:10 2.ccuoell fo oupi,ort t!:o clc.:L--:1
t1lo;t accuscC. C:.isa1Y;_)co.rcd iii'lLlo- -'lio be w::1r.1i ttcc1 r.:i; Tc;:102:::c 110::;:_)i ·i;c1 ui'Jcex .>.t~:17i11;::,1 w:)U11<le,'. ~--i:.::.;eL' i1: 21is cmdoavour to cor.1:·.u t cu.icit:c~ I :lo not su~-::1,ort t:::.ir; :'.:'or: I ,.:.'iro:-c -;;:w r;~10 Vieu 1ri th tho LocJ.I-necl clc:Zcnce cot.msol t:.10:t t::c cvL~c1:ce o:2 F!I .:::.:1<.l FT2 rcL:i;cinc; ·to the n:\i;e1:11)tod ;;uicicle cc.so D,S Holl Q.::; t::o r:llc::: ~i r r. ·'.;.":·...,·'.; i"'C:01:::etl <l.SSL'..i:1ed the nm.ao of Al)dallO:.: r2nr,d:22ni [!,~.; the :.:osj_)it~~l is 00;.:i.:lyc :y :.:.cnrr:;::;r. 'I!!10 court me;ht Tc;Jcl:::o ]10r:oitc:.l cloc·(io:r ul:l.o c..t·~emkd. t:ic 2,0::;·,:a:::l, or even 0110 of ·i;ho nuxsos t-rho attcmcled hi;.;. Tl1ey 00 1..1.ld even s:::ou to -~2::.e: ce;:r:; -~:~( :: ::,•.1ission rec;is-ter, or rx.-g otho.r dccur,1011.-t ptw:potinc ·i;o ciio·:r ·ii':.~:·i; r.cou:::;ccl :in.cl ::ulop"tccl o:.:: c:.s::n1::.1ed the nwile of A1xlo110 i:1c:uc,c1.::eini. T:1io lc.-:··.•ca no 0:11,';• u:Ltli ·t:.:10 cviclonco of FT3 n.nd •.•.• /7 7 It io not in clis~x.ttc fro;-,1 t'w oviucnco -~:~ ...t on 5/2/06 .:~:to c-:.cccasod :r.ovcr went for cl.iJ.ty as S:.10 tend.eel to lie ·~o hushaJld. It na.s G- public ho lido¥. IIcx .!iusbm1d t\1icc c~10c~cccl c:.t the clccc<'.soc'. 1s place of .ror!c i, c- P-.datpa..'lc to co:nfirn if t.tc clccc2.Sccl hnd c-;ono ·lihorc .::.t 2ri.;;r
:.mtcrinl -~ii:10 011 5/2/GS. Accuscc.1 wn.a told b;r c. wn,tc'..mcn of t:.1at Co;·.11;ru1y -~::at tho <.lccoaoccl never went to "that· plnco on ·li,10,·~ dcy. But PJ3 cl,;;_;.1oc"'.. ·t::u:1; llor ni::;tcr ( cloccasccl) reported fol' duty on thci:i; clL'.J~. "il:.:o is noiT to ;)o ~)clicvccl? 9:'ho nJ1::Mo:r Hill be resolved il"l favoux of ·;;::o accused 'uecn.Lwo ·t:1.c px-o:=JccL::~ion .dill 110-'c HM-~ to brine; wi tncssoa f.ror.1 Printp~l;: -t.o co11liI::.1 -'GJ.ln:t "i:i:10 dccet'fJcc"'.. u.:i.G :_.:,rcsc1r'ii at uo!'k.. lfovcr-~hcloss P::i3 confirnc,l to •Lie cour-t tlic.t tl:c clccc2..sec'. ·~nd :10rsolf 11011·~ fo a bn:r n.fto:r 3,00 p.m. where t:.:cy joined two :.mn to c:.:d,.~: bco:r. It is cl.so ·i;.\c evidence of P:i3 ·ii1n.t tho clcccr.:::ocl ancl PJ3 ncco~apc:.iuoCt -~:.10 tuo ;:1011 in a l~1cl:rovcl' nnd drovo s.,.;:rc..ic;ht to t.'.1c 2..ccuzccl 's norcsiclcnco ,f:.o:ro t::0;7 l'Oc1ohcc: c.~)Ot!·i; 10. 30 or 11.ciOO p.,o, P.l:ora here sonc clotibts nxone o.s whc:t rc1:1,lzy :.1c.~-•)cnou. P:i3 bas ttrn c:i:'.:':tcrcnt stories: o:dtl:)i-'i; :DI stn:~co tiicd; oa 5/2/D6 at about 10 .. 00 p.r.1. when she wn.s c:,,slocp she >.ec'..I'cl n. noi so of .::. ;:1otcl'-Vol1.iclc outside tlD house. ';l.1l1u.t sl.c \:ncu it m:,,s J1cr sio-cc:r (clccco,occl) rctur1rinc i'r:oz.1 j_2cr work because s!:o left : 1.oi·,10 n.t 1.00 a_n., ruid. ,met ;'--~ .r""L as usu.cl. 5-:.c
(P1T3) then woke tlp ol:L'. opcnocl t~1C: cloor for 1:.cr ( c"'..ccc2.scll) • :Gcf:):rc -~:c.c d.ccoasod entered -&!10 l'oo;;1 1::i:13 !:on.rel t.'.1c voice of ;::.c:r ::rot.".cr in Law (":cc~sccl) u!1oitr. she dicl not lmou thn:li :::.c ua.o out0icLo encl l:e: 11cs 2.sl:in(.~ t.'10 clcccc.,scK':. ~(:y oho caL1c But icrc in coti.:rJc ET3 told t 11c cou:d; c:, cliflcr Jr.t otory,. S:10 scid -'.;l.10.t ub,011 the dcccasccl ru1,~. .':cI self a:rxi vcc.l .:/i; hc:r L1 ·~'.le L::.; __t, over c:.11cl in ·i.:10 coDiXl,,Y ot t>. c tt10 r:1e:1 -;;."..c tlcccc.,sot1_ c..ncl ~rn:rocif tlisoi'J~x:i.rl:cd fro:.1 J~\c l.:-..11c1.J:'ovox. Tho la.ntl.xover DJ1C:L ·::::c -:;i,o 1:1011 t:1on <.lrovc o:Z':i:. Soo:1 -;;.·.:ccr.f'"iic:r P:i3 sror ncct1.occ.l. accused clciuinc ·i;>.,i:~ -;;he clccoc1socl cn.--:ic 1xw:: .':ouo 1 etc. ::o,rovc:c, she said the qt1<.1J::r-el stonJocl c.nd -~:10 c.lccoc..socl 2ntl ..~cct:::;cc7- ,r<nr'c to their xoo:1 JliO. slce11, Fff3 also slept in -~.1 ~c so;:w rooo. In qy conrii (:.0.1'0'--~ o:.,::ci ::. 011 ivI:r • Hc,r-~10.:'.Jo 2i.o.s :rc2..s011ocl. oo:rxcctly to ·'.;ho oZfcc-'c tJint if P~T3 iG c.. :cclio..1Jlo l:i -l;:~oc;:; 1:::,:_~ ;:ms·~ s~.lC ei VO inco~ nsistcnt stories? TJ:i:::, loa.vcs soao :roG.Donc..:jlc C.caU; in n:t ni;.1cl n.s ·bo t:.io wi tnBs •s orcdibili ty. !leE in., FJ3 tolcl -t:10 court t.'.1a.t c,cct .cccl 6.n(l cl.ecc2.sorl slc:Y'.; iu
·i;:10ir r.1n.tl'it101uol 1 bed u:.1croas P.!3 slept on tl:.c floor in t::.c ::;: ;'.,c :roo.:i., At 0!)ot:·~ 1.00 r>,.n. she ctccon.ood ts ho,'._:;· on ·the floor an:."'.. 112,s J10lc"'..in:_; ;,, 1:.li:2'o,. 'lli.011 P:;3 uont to open "t:10 door nnd ru~_i.cc.. 0L1.tsi(lc to rc1,iuo c:.lc:c1·.1. Zr_....:.:.:};/ I !1avo D'J xcsc:rvation on •:.'.ris tyPc of c-d,:..cncc. Fron t:10 cfor;r dc:7i_nc.::;c1y -:;:.:ere DUS"~ llc1vc been a scufflo ....... /'J bOJGl·l'Oon nccuocc1- c.;.1r.·~ ·' -~ c.1.ocoascrl 9 suppo r. o 'h: ·.o stor~' ucr, t=.. uc., 1 lfo..tu:r;;i,lly l• sb.c uou.lc.l h;:-:,vc c..··:pcctoc1 -t:~nt P~T3 uoulc1- ;:2.-..rc ::.c,xc1- or felt ·t:.:c scn:Z--Ilc bcfo:rc the ;.locc2-scc"\. r:--:isctl c'.,lc}.I';-,1,, Fro:.1 the ·bee':. t!.1c couple 1v0uld 7:nvo oven fallen It is not a.lso co:,·c"1011 thn;t; a J.11w1::-~mc1 w.1r.".. 1:-il'o in t::..c Africc.r, Sociot3r do not s:io.l~c the sr.wc roon ,:rit>.. t.'.10 ~-.us1x·,nc1. 1 s 1;i:i:'c 1 s si □ tor, i,c. -;::--.c c'.Ccnscd's sisfor in h::il",. I<; :.1i::;'1t :,.n.vc :wr,:)cnc':'.. in ·:;:·.io cc.oc ~mt st·.c>. clou.1Yi; s11oulcl not be cntcrtoincc.1. ~Like tJ.10 L1io Lonx-ncd Counocl I,foo, o..sl: r,;:.··aclf~ uas it possible really of. in n :10usc 11 ton£'.J.riis, n.:x'..rt :Zro:'.1 tho nccuscc., c,;.1 e!l.:.:rr.i cf c.lco..t:1 bcinc raised codcl 1jo ic1101'cc.1. no·i; m.11.y b,7 t'.:..c 11 tm.12.lr;;a 1m·i; 8.lso t.:10
11cij1bours? AssU1:iinc t:mt the c.cct0.scc'. 1 t:1 1cllou tcntnnts clicl not c..n::r.rcr ·t:·,0. a.lOJ:'n iDr.1cdin.tcly, what n.1Jout t11e ti -:ic 1;::0:,.1 police oa;:10 ,c1oes it r.100.:1 ·:;;1..:::i; none oi ·i;:-1osc . }.(\<;-rlc went ·ho -'i;;.1e scene..? I tcn:1 to believe thQ.t c..t lcr:.r::t sor.10 people must lmve crone to tho scene i:10::.L~c;j_nc; -~10 o..cca.saoc.l Is 1,:. ~rc~,;c olt'L son. T1.u.ose wi tncsscs aust hn.ve h101rn lT:J.ot.:'.cl' · e,ccusccl rrw.1 C..1-TCTfl G.fto.I' -t\c iJtU'clc:r of the clcccr'..sci..:. o:r not. ifo do not lmou w. co"t::.cr n,ccusec1. uc.s at ·G2.:c · scc,.10 unconscious c.s :~e told tl10 couxt u::.cn t!:c poli :::c 2.:i:.ci voe: or tl:n.t pcol)lc L:ic':·;; :.:.c.vo JG·.1.lccn ~1in to hosi)itcl,. As I told tho a,e::;c::.-.:so.r:s in tl1c sLi:uinc up F~~3 is ·i;I:c dcccn.ocu. ts sis·tor n.ncl s.1.ie cv:i.tlence to bo in 1;:i,voLD: of -~:.:c c:ccusecl~ o:r: :cc.,·;;:1cr her o'Vici.cncc 0G.1111ot lJe thc.t P::J ts cvic1-onco -~."lc.I'cio.I'c requ.i:rcs cor:rol)ol'u·uion encl in r.1Jr "ieu it 1:"ill !Jo cr.:trc~.10ly tmsr,.:i?c ·;;o :i:cly' on her oviC.cncc u.:1ich c:1ri.tinc; ui-t.1 -;;;:r:; cl.oco~·. soc.'t. c:.11c.l P.:3 L.1 :·.is 0;11;,r >ec." roo~.1.. '.JJ:e clom: uas shut bu.J.; not loc:ccc-7.. lie IlUSl:c.:':. it G~)Cl1' CI:.~:. 1~::.0:1 ·:;: c: ;· ~~: s::~T a.GcL:scc.l tl:0,1 ~-,: ::: .. :. ro1c.l put ofl -~.11c 111.:o:ro~)oi/
li,::;::.-t. Then t;,_o DCLL1J.c sk,rtocl 1m-~ c.ccusocl wa.s ovc:rp01rn:rc:. r.J.1:,"'.. Wc',s Lmco.1sicu::ily o..ss2v.l-'cc~·-• IIo J(::·.10 to :roo..liso "tllat he was i·~ is not ::i~.1 to p:r-ovc it 1)cyo;;Kl ronnon[',1Jlu cl.cu~ t., T.10 e,ccuscc1. 1 o (l'i;ory aj_)pcr.rs to be consistent Hi·iiJ.: tho events wl:ic:: -~ool: plc.::c oi1 t:10.t ~1.r-.;; Gntl ::is sJmry o~µ.lcl only be c1..iscred-iiecl if t:::.u ::_):roscc1.rcion c1.ir.::c~:02··:;ocl -~::ci:.: l)U:rd.on l)y ndducinc; evidence to ,:.dtc i·~ unblievablc, or.,sc ·.1."or p.,..osecu·Hoi1 ..L ..,.,.. •- w:11"0!.: 1·r:i~ r1ot ~~----:._.· "S -.1.'CC'"~:rcc. U"+cr t1•,.,....:...~.,. <" j_~ 1 1. 1 I cj rr ·;;',cl···,· ~-r• }, • ,..... nnc1 on ·i;!10 otJ.icr :'.11::nd He :~c1vc u. en.so by tb.o clcfc:.100 1v~:d~:.1 !::.2,s rec,osnc.hle (1oubJG in t:~o ninc.l of th1J n,r::;ocssors nncl the cou:r-i;? LG l :·.n.vc said r:,~JOVc ti1c prosecution ... ... /9 -9- ,. on t!.10 n.ccusod I s evidence,, Accused. i:ill ;Jo c.;i-,;-c;.1 t~,.C! 1:icnc:?i:c o:: -~10 cloubt if t~w prosecution c.1.ocs not ccnont 1)Y' cor;o;ri; oviC::.c:80 c:.2.3. -~:.:.c ::;r1,liont fn.cts ~1d ir.isuos of t:ici:r en.so ~d. u:1cr1 the:i; .'.:0):'c:10 -;;::o ::ccu::;c~'. '.ic:.s to 1Jc c10qui ttod. T).1:i.s is CAMUy nl:c,;i; is -'c:truisi:ic.rc;ri; in ·i;."\c :~x-cscn-t 02,so. Ucrse still t110 is ver:jr clc,,x lr:0:.1 ·i;:,.c ovic'.cmcc t'.1.2:~ ·G.'.~c-
t'.. cccc.sc(l rn:::.:. P~;.3 170:..: o fa1 t.'.'..o conpnny o:Z ·i;iro r.1011 i;.1·.1ccJ.ic:i;cily 1Jo:7orc tl,c ci1.k".I'l'Ol s·tc.x-tc~:_ 1Jc·:.troon -;/:o [',CCWJoc.l nncl the dee en.sod. T.':o p:roooct.!"iiion coult1 not ';J:ii:.C:,' t1:c ·-'mo a,llcc;cc1.. ~)or:sons ui10 wore in tho CODl"'C!:.r' o::? t>. c tuo lDJ.lics to GiVo ovi.-.ci1cc to x . l".1C".'o ·i;l'..c clou:Yli lT~.1ich is nlroD.dy in tho ni;.1c.1 of the couxt, t::c:'c irJ u::c·~::.c:r ex rr·i; t::c -~ro ucn wore. foun::.l by t;.1c accusocl in hio xoo,.1 ·i;o:;-c-t.:iux- ~~i ·c.:i....,1;:, l,::;!;o -;ri:::C, still subsists in t:.10 story ·::? -~J::.c MCUsecl none of -~:.:.o,::c people ·ircull Ji:;cnt"~ to lJc on t!rn side of t'..10 accuse~ j_:~' ·G).:e ln/w-ccr: 1:·ic~:oL',. q, r, c_;_ur..r-xel iri·c:.: the dcccn,sc(l r:J1d then ended. up in a, fic}1t clue ·i;o t:.:cc provocotivc com'.c-1c·i; o:!: -~::c ·t;i;o ;·,1cn ·i;o be :::'ow.1cl in tho it coulcl no~c ~ic:,vc ec:.r::il.7 1Jc,m ic"'..cntilic(. 0rJ 11::0 ru:1011c; t).:..c i,cx::iono struclc the fatcl blou 011 ~~c clccc~soclo Much I ~:.~Vo alrc:vl~- s:,o~:on n.i)OVOo In s:10xt, ·ii::.o t-no ;:;to:rioc, i. o, foJ: the. prosccu-'Gion e.11(1 dofoncc, c:r-oc.:~c a clou1.Jt in ,.i;y ;-.1incl 2.::.: cm ,T.',.cr~ 1,lc..cc o..c-imc,l]Jr t~1e clcconscd uot her de0t! .9 wl:o·~:.:cx outside t:10 hOU8e iT:'.011 ·Gl.10 cloce2.secl o.ncl. P:f3 cl:i. s cr.1ba.r kcd f:roa
the n/vo>.iclo, o:r- at the clccec:iccc1 1 s :coo,.1? I uounclcr hou i -~ .boccJ.1e of tho prosccu·~i on fo ;Jrinc ui tncsscs to ·cell us on 'frhioh spoJ.; actu.:1.ll;t -~l:.c clccea.socl was stxuck ·~o c.1c,:.:li.:1.? ':i:llis poi;_rt i::; in~;ortnut bccau.so. i -li uoulcl l::.c11--c bco;.1 easier fox tJ.10 c ou.rt "iic consi:..lo:r- nncl d.ccic.lc 1(:.ot:,cr the L~u at·~c~.1pJccd -1:io coi":ni t suicic.lc encl finc..lly ;,_c ·i;oo:c luwsclf to Tcr,1c~;:e ~1os:.,,i tel for ... c.fu:d.ssion. ]l:c:r-c c':.ill ·c:10 :,olico wi tncss -.:.,·c·c ·i;:.~iG cvicloncc? 1::'10 tolc.l then thr-~t nccusccl n.ttc;"Jptccl suiciclc c..:~tor ld.llinc -~;:,c c1.cccn.occl~ spoculc..tion.., I x-c:En:Je ·i;o o..ccopt tho.·li mri1.:.011cc, ◄ ..... /le I ' - 10 - ·t.:i.~:ro ;i..s r;rr.-.vc dov.Yli in t:10 pro::i~cuticµ cc,Gc r:n:~ unclor t>.c L."..W -~ltls doubt is r,J.wcys resolved in f.::.vou.r of tl~.o ~.cct'.Sccl ~~c:i:G'.)11 whic~:-. I so clQ.. In the· cir- ctu:is-'mncos I J1.cc_rui·~ tho nccuscd. pornon fo:r-~~'.1Ti-c!, unless l:.c is. hcl:-1 up for ~ other ln.uful c.:-•,uso. ::Jc is to be rclor!socl :ro::.•thwi th., PPJ]JCIPAL r..;:::sr-X8IT':i.1 ril'...GIST?Ji.'llt (ED:T 0 J1JRISDIC~ION) 9/G/91 _ Jml{;;-,1ont deli Vel'Ctl in open court this 9-~~.,_ clc-&~ o-1 Au,:-;ust, 1991. Hr, M,·rcnc-cln, :.?or ·;.1.10 :aosi,onc.lcnt \ i!r', Nc\yanc.,bc{ for -'i;!10 Accusccl. PRINCIPAL RESIJ):fil1T rrn.GISTRATE (I!XT. JURISDIC':::'IOE) 9/G/91 Cou.r··h Assossox-3 ['.j;O tJ.20..nkccl c.i1c.l dis,chc:q;cc:. PRIHCIP}. L rtE2I:O::IT.?.C ILGISC.1PJ1.TE (E:~T. JURISDICC'IOH) 9/G/91
Case-aware research
Ask AI about this case
The judgment and available research above are public. New questions open in a separate private conversation grounded in this case.