1. How does anyone know that all of the press coverage initiated by the Cockayne family didn't help in getting the arrests in the first place, by putting pressure on the police. Can't prove a negative. 16 months from crime to conviction doesn't mean anything. Time from commission of crime to arrest is probably more important.

But what I don't get is who the hell does the judge in this case think she is by paraphrasing the late, great attorney at law Johnny Cochrane. That's the thing that bothers me the most.

Hi promoguy:

I believe she was trying to put some fire under the feet of prosecuting attorneys who were going for a trifecta. Looked like they had Ward, but were flimsy on trying to bring high charges against the alleged accomplices in murder.

"My big problem is with your information," Hollar told prosecuting attorney Renee Gumbs-Carty, who opposed the motions for dismissal. "You say that Boston and Thomas committed the initial assault with a stick, and you jump and say that they also aided in the stabbing. But you really don't even say stabbing -- you say 'the fatal assault.' And you don't have any charge of the stabbing. It's just conspicuous. This just plays into the defense's argument that there may be some inferences to an assault with a stick, but where are they in the other counts, where the evidence points to Mr. Ward?"

This is from the article in the Source, the meat is in the story itself: http://www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1222834192

From another story: http://www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1222834255

The first-degree murder charge carries a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The jury also convicted Anselmo Boston and Kamal Thomas on two counts each of third degree assault and one count each of unlawful use of a dangerous weapon during the commission of third degree assault. According to prosecutors, the third degree assault charge carries a maximum sentence of five years, while the weapons charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 2-1/2 years and a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Superior Court Judge Brenda Hollar is known for her no-nonsense approach and her vehement insistence on speaking out when she feels that attorneys on either side may need a little procedural nudge. She's on the side of justice wrought properly. She's on our side.

Okay, I ms. davis, but we Los Angelenos don't take too kindly to anyone ripping off the likes of anything having to do with The Juice and Johnny.

Oh yes, the juice..he's in jail now isn't he.

Looking for his wife's killer right there in the Las Vegas lockup.

LOL!!!! You all are a trip!:P

I am glad that the trial is completed, and sad to hear of some untoward activities alleged against the family of the deceased. I'll stand by to see how it turns out. They've been through enough - but two wrongs don't make a right.

Is there anything in the local papers about what happened?

www.onepaper.com/stthomasvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1222834255

for one reference. And Tradewinds, and VI Daily News and Avis.

Thanks for that link STT. I did read that before, but the only reference I see to a member of the Cockayne's family doing some "witness tampering" is the following.

One notable aside to the trial was a charge of witness tampering brought by Joseph after the verdict came down. Cameron's jeep was smashed by one of Cockayne's family members while parked in the Fort Christian Parking Lot, he told Hollar.
Scales said the incident would be investigated

I was wondering about the in depth review given by poster named "Baysider". Was that in the paper anywhere?

Not sure if that is published anywhere, but living here, I had already heard about what had happened. It's a small island, not too many people, and most of us know some of the key individuals on at least a casual level. Cameron is a co-worker of my fiancee....so I heard about it that way, along with other info baysider didn't include. Living here through all of this I've heard lots and lots of info, some true, some embellished, some made up, but from what I can tell, this verdict was in line with what the coconut telegraph has been reporting for over a year. I cannot imagine the grief the Cockayne's are dealing with.... I do not know how I would act in the same situation. Certainly the behaviors described are unlawful and if they are true, the people need to be held accountable.

I sat through most of the trial, and I can say that VIPD did not do a very good job at all. Three people told one officer about the victim being chased minutes before he was killed, and the killing still happened within a half-mile. Another officer failed to advise a suspect of his rights, and his confession to assault was not allowed as evidence. The Public Defender's Investigator was the one who turned up Mr. Ward for the police (Mr Ward's attorney even called Mr. Thomas' attorney - Mr. Joesph- the "assistant prosecutor" once during the trial). While some people were punished, I believe others were involved in the murder.

As someone who personally knew Jamie, to hear of his murder was shocking. He was a great kid full of life and could always light up a room with his smile. Although the court hearings are over for now, his family and friends will never get him back. The pain and suffering will not go away. As a mother i can not even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child, especially in such a violent way. But it is a bit comforting to know that at least someone is getting blamed for this awful murder, and time in prison will not make up for this loss of life. He had just turned 21 and had so much to offer in life, and it was cut short. One will never understand how much it takes to kill another human being, i will not understand nor do i care to understand, its simply not right. Jamie will always be remembered with a smile on my face, and a heavy heart.
Now i am dealing with another death that took place almost a year ago in the VI, and i can not say that i am happy with how things are turning out justice wise there either. I am not saying that this is not a safe place to travel ( as there are certainly many areas that are much more dangerous) but the help from officials is not easy. I know these things take time, as did Jamie's murder. But there has to be something that makes the process a little more quick. It all depends on the situation, i understand. But why am i not allowed to have the belongings of a loved one that has passed? They are ruling out murder and claiming suicide ( although nothing points to this ). I certainly do think that authorities should be a little more co operative with non-islanders so to say. To rule out murder with no indication of a suicide and then give no explanation for dismissing the case is presumptuous on officials part. I hope that something can be done with this case as it was with Jamie's.