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Glenford Ferguson, Jr., 28, not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter

HeadlineGlenford Ferguson, Jr., 28, not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter

Ferguson stabbed Koffi Beeks, 27, to death in Ladyville

Glenford Ferguson, Jr., 28, who was on remand for almost 7 years for the murder of Ladyville resident Koffi Beeks, 27, was found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter after a 12-member jury deliberated for about four hours, in the Supreme Court of Justice John “Troadio” Gonzalez late tonight, Thursday.

Justice Gonzalez has set February 14 as the sentencing date to give Ferguson’s attorney, Bryan Neal, enough time to prepare character witnesses for a mitigation hearing.

On the night of February 16, 2007, Beeks was socializing at Mel’s Bar in Ladyville when he became involved in an altercation with Ferguson, who inflicted a stab wound to Beeks’ neck.

The Crown’s case was prosecuted by Crown Counsel Sheneiza Smith, who was assisted by Crown Counsels Leroy Banner and Kileru Awich.

The prosecution’s main witness, a 32-year-old woman who is a cousin of the deceased, and for whom the prosecutor had requested anonymity, testified that on the morning of the incident, around 1:30, she was working at a diner which sells food, and while she was eating, she was also having a conversation with Beeks.

The witness said that Ferguson approached Beeks with a pint bottle in his hand. At that point, Glenford Ferguson, Sr., the accused’s father, intervened and knocked the pint bottle out of his hand.

According to the witness, Ferguson then pulled out a penknife, and gave Beeks a “bear hug” and stabbed him in the side of his neck, severing a main artery. Beeks apparently bled to death before he could reach the hospital.

Ferguson had given a caution statement to police, admitting to stabbing Beeks.

At the trial, Ferguson claimed self-defense, insisting that he only stabbed Beeks after he (Beeks) attacked him with a pint bottle.

He reiterated this same story in his dock statement, telling the court that he was only defending himself, and that’s why he pulled out a knife and stabbed Beeks.

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