DNA sample sent

to the court

The DNA sample taken from the vehicle in which the police suspect Portmore resident and teacher Velma Duhaney was killed, has been forwarded to the court. Facing a charge of murder in connection with the killing is Velma's husband Richard Duhaney.

When the case came up for mention in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Thursday, investigating officer Detective Sergeant Derrick Ball presented the certificate to the clerk of court.

Resident Magistrate Simone Maddix ruled that with this piece of evidence in, the case will again be mentioned on September 26, for a preliminary enquiry date to be set. She told the investigators that this was necessary as the defence attorney Peter Champagnie was not present.

She also warned the officer to get all available witnesses on that date.

Duhaney's appearance in court arose out of an incident on March 19, when Velma's headless body was found in bushes at Waugh Hill, Sligoville, St. Catherine. Three days after, Richard, a data technician, who lives in Portmore, was charged with murder.

He has since been granted bail in the sum of $300,000. The bail was extended by the court until his next appearance.

R.T.