Shab Don Denied Bail: Trial Date Set

In his most recent court appearance at the St. James Circuit Court, Linval ‘Shab Don’ Thompson Jr, a well-known dancehall music producer, alongside Tajay Clark, faced a denial of their bail application for a second time. Both are implicated in a 2022 triple murder case and are set for trial.

Last Friday, April 5, High Court Justice Bertram Morrison dismissed the bail request, despite arguments from defence attorneys highlighting a change in circumstances and questioning the identification of their clients.

This decision follows an initial trial delay due to absent witnesses and new revelations questioning the reliability of their identification, as they reportedly pointed out Thompson Jr while allegedly stating that the perpetrators were masked during the crime.

However, the prosecution remains steadfast, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and citing a previous identification parade where Thompson Jr was identified by witnesses. Concerns were also raised regarding the safety of the witnesses and investigative personnel, given recent threats, per reports from the Jamaica Observer.

The victims are 27-year-old Chadwell Frazer, aka ‘Bomb Brain’ and 24-year-old Chamario ‘Chippy’ Calvin and 26-year-old Toniann Reid aka ‘Too Fly’.

Tavares-Finson and Coleman, representing Thompson and Clark respectively, argued for their clients’ bail, noting the absence of concrete identification and emphasizing their willingness to comply with court-imposed conditions.

Despite these pleas, the court upheld its decision to keep both accused in custody, underlining the seriousness of the accusations and the ongoing risks associated with the case.

This legal battle follows Thompson Jr’s previous legal issues, including charges related to firearm possession and alleged corruption, highlighting a pattern of legal confrontations for the music producer.

As the trial date approaches, all parties involved are preparing for a case that has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of one of the two accused men and the serious implications of the charges laid against them.

As per the Jamaica Observer, the trial is set to begin on January 8, 2025.