Defendant acquitted in Gallaty shooting

Twenty-six year old Aniver Palacio walked out of court today a free man after being acquitted of all charges. After just over two hours of deliberation, a nine-member jury found Palacio not guilty of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and two counts of robbery against businessman Philip Gallaty. During the trial, witness for the defence, Frank Petillo, alleged that he was coached by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Chester Williams, to make incriminating statements against Palacio. Petillo told the court, “Williams befriend me and offered me food, he gave me thirty dollars then told me tomorrow he will send for me to give the statement against them bwai. He was coaching me and telling me what to say.” Palacio, who took the stand in his own defence, discredited a statement that he had signed, saying that Williams “told him what to write.” In addition, Gallaty was unable to positively identify his attacker, because they were all wearing masks.

Palacio was initially charged along with Frank Elijio and Kenrick Reneau for shooting Gallaty in the stomach and shoulder during a 2004 robbery on the Northern Highway in Ladyville. The charges against Elijio and Reneau were later withdrawn. Palacio was defended by attorney Hubert Elrington, while Kamar Henry argued the case for the prosecution.