UPDATE: Prosecutors will seek death penalty if Hamilton is convicted

Barbara Gayle, Justice Coordinator

Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Lisa Palmer Hamilton says the prosecution will be seeking the death penalty if ex-police constable Rushon Hamilton is convicted for the murder of 14-year-old schoolgirl, Jhaneel Goulbourne.

This development means the 12-member jury must reach a unanimous verdict.

Hamilton is accused of killing the teen and dumping her body at sea in October 2008, after she reported that he had sexually assaulted her.

Palmer Hamilton says given that Goulbourne was a crown witness, the prosecution would seek the maximum penalty.

Supreme Court Judge Lloyd Hibbert completed his summation to the jury this morning.

Hibbert told the jurors that their conviction must be grounded on the prosecution’s case.

He said if the jurors accept the evidence of the defence, the fact that Goulbourne’s body was not found does not mean they cannot make a verdict.

Hibbert also said if they reject Hamilton’s defence, it is not automatic that he is guilty as the prosecution must have proven its case.

Crown witnesses have testified that the 24-year-old former constable confessed to them in custody that Hamilton shot the girl and threw her body into the sea.

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