Delano Forbes sat silently in the courtroom on Tuesday as jury selection began for his first murder trial – the 2018 killing of Maurison Thomas, a post office worker from All Saints.
The 31-year-old, who faces four separate murder charges, communicated with his lawyer only through written notes as he scanned the courtroom for a familiar face. After the defence challenged two prospective jurors, a panel of nine women and two men was sworn in to ultimately decide his fate.
Neighbour Recalls the Night of the Murder
The prosecution’s first witness, a neighbour of the deceased, recounted the events of March 7, 2018. He recalled that Thomas worked at the post office and lived just two minutes away from his own residence. Their mothers had attended school together, he said.
According to his testimony, a small group gathered at Thomas’ home that evening after a call from a concerned neighbour. They called out several times but got no response. Through the window, the television flickered but the bed was empty.
One of the neighbours tried the kitchen door which immediately swung open, and the unmistakable scent of blood confronted them. One member of the group ventured inside and discovered Thomas lying face-down on the floor. The witness, who remained outside, could only see feet and blood.
entered through the kitchen door on the south side of the residence. In the living room, he found Thomas lying face-down, clothing thrown over his upper body, and a couch positioned on top of him. His legs were spread apart, blood visible between them, and he was not wearing pants.
Police recapture Forbes
Another officer described how Forbes had allegedly escaped police custody weeks earlier and was recaptured at a pump house in the Folly’s area. Concealed in thick bushes, they observed a light emanating from inside and spotted a human figure behind a metal door covered with mesh. As they approached stealthily, the sharp smell of marijuana filled the air, and they surrounded the structure. Inside, Forbes was found hiding behind a large piece of machinery.
A search of the pump house revealed a collection of items: a Tommy Hilfiger wallet containing $285, a black wallet, two mobile phones, matches, a camouflage hoodie, floral pants, red water boots, white socks, a wooden pendant, a leather belt, and a pair of scissors with what appeared to be blood on them. Forbes claimed that all the items belonged to him. Forbes had been tried in 2020 for the alleged escape but was found not guilty.
The case will continue this morning to allow that process to continue. Forbes is being represented by attorney Sherfield Bowen.
Forbes still faces three other murder charges – the killings of Wilfred “Bongo” Williams in Swetes, Shawn Henry in Point, and Lisue Williams on All Saints Road all filed in 2017. His current trial however focuses solely on the death of Maurison Thomas.
