Mavado and son Dante Brooks

A verdict is expected in the trial of Mavado’s son Dante Brooks later this month.

According to Brooks’ Attorney, Peter Champagnie QC the trial began on January 11, 2021. He revealed that it is currently in the prosecution stage and they expect a verdict later this month.

“The prosecution is still presenting its case, and the main witnesses are still being cross-examined. I can’t say for sure how long the trial will run, but I am expecting it to continue for at least two weeks. Are quite a number of witnesses to be questioned, and so it’s still early days yet for a verdict,” he revealed.

Champagnie says they are expecting a positive outcome, as his client maintains his innocence.

“All that I will say is that we have clear instructions from him that he is innocent and we are certainly going to be challenging the prosecution’s case as it goes along.”

Before the trial began Mavado sent his love to his son in a heartwarming tribute on Instagram. “Love you son 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿,” he captioned the post.

Dante Brooks was charged jointly with 23-year-old Andre Hines for the June 5, 2018 murder of Lorenzo Thomas. Thomas was shot, chopped and burned to death at his home in Cassava Piece, St Andrew.

Brooks and Hines were charged with conspiracy to murder, arson, shooting with intent, and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Mavado’s son is also being accused of giving Hinds, an order to behead Thomas. A witness statement given to the police alleges that the juvenile gave the instruction, “Memba di boss want him head.”

Hinds allegedly attempted to carry out the order but only managed to partially sever Thomas’ head. Brooks has consistently denied the allegations in court.

Brooks has been in a juvenile detention facility in Kingston for over 2 years with multiple bail applications denied.