Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

WESTERN BUREAU

The Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court is awaiting a response from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to grant a voluntary bill to have the case against murder accused, Oneil Watt, heard before the September sitting of the St. James Circuit Court, without a preliminary enquiry.

Watt, 26, of Westgate Hills, St. James, was charged a year ago in connection with the double-murder of a 22-year-old law student, Jason McPherson, and his 19-year-old brother, Bryan Smith, in Montego Bay Heights.

Watt, who is represented by attorneys Morrel Beckford and Natalie Messado, had his $350,000 bail extended until September 10 when it is expected that the court will receive the DPP's response.

Watt, who was before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court, was granted bail in the sum of $350,000 with surety. RM Wilson Smith ordered the accused to report to the Mount Salem police on Mondays and Fridays. He is to return to court on January 16.

Allegations are that one of the deceased discovered US$5,000 missing after his home was visited by the accused in July. The older deceased subsequently spoke to Watt about the matter. On August 8, Watt was overheard plotting with three other men to kill McPherson. Subsequently, Watt and his accomplices are said to have taken the brothers to a secluded area under the guise of returning the missing money; instead the men were tied up and shot to death.