Trail begins after San Pedro security guard murdered

Shandoy Jeffords

Trial began today against one four persons accused of killing San Pedro Security Guard, Antonio Almendarez during a burglary at Fido’s Restaurant on July twenty-sixth 2005. Shandoy Jeffords was charged, not with murder, but with Manslaughter. The allegations are that when Almendarez was tied up and gagged, injuries were caused to his neck which proved fatal. Since there were no eyewitnesses, Prosecutor, Shamilla Williams, is relying heavily on a caution statement given by Jeffords back in 2008 when he was first charged for manslaughter. Today, Sergeant Dennis Miles, who was attached to the CIB in 2005, testified that he took over the investigation almost a month after the incident and Jeffords freely offered a statement about the murder. Jeffords spoke in the presence of his mother and the statement was taken by Superintendent Alden Dawson. Dawson as well as Justice of the Peace, Modesto Madrill, who witnessed the recording of the report, corroborated Mile’s claim that Jeffords was not pressured into talking. With that, the case was adjourned until next week when the doctor who performed the post mortem will take the stand, before the crown closes its case.  Jeffords is unrepresented and is being given an opportunity to cross examine all the prosecution witnesses. The other three suspects charged in connection with Almendarez’ death are Luis Lalin, Elvis Williams, and Austin Mungia.