Seven T&T nationals, convicted of hostage taking resulting in the death of United States war veteran Balram "Balo" Maharaj, are facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment after a judge on Wednesday refused to grant them a new trial. Judge John D Bates ended months of consideration and suspense, when he dismissed a motion brought by the prisoners. The prisoners awaiting sentencing are Ricardo De Four, Zion Clarke, Kevon Demerieux, also known as "Ketchit," Anderson Straker, also known as "Gypsy's Son," Wayne Pierre, also known as "Ninja," Christopher Sealey, also known as Christopher Bourne and "Boyie," and Kevin Nixon, also known as "Shaka."
On July 31, 2009, they were found guilty of: conspiracy to commit hostage-taking; aiding and abetting in hostage-taking; and hostage-taking resulting in the death of the US citizen and Vietnam war veteran.
But Judge Bates deferred the sentencing to consider a motion filed by the convicts, seeking a new trial.
Through their attorneys, they filed pleadings before Judge Bates in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that they did not receive a fair trial. Four others - Jason Errol Percival, also known as "Soldier," former T&T Army Sgt Leon Walter Nurse, Russel Jerry Joseph, also known as "Saucy", and Winston Gittens - have since pleaded guilty to hostage-taking resulting in the death of Maharaj and are also awaiting sentence.
At yesterday's hearing, Judge Bates adjourned the matter to March 21, for a status hearing to determine a date for sentencing. The men were arrested and extradited to the US in an intensive effort involving the FBI as well as local investigators. Maharaj, 62, who lived with relatives at Chandy Lane, El Socorro Road, San Juan, was kidnapped on April 6, 2005, from the Samaan Tree Bar, Aranguez, and detained in the Santa Cruz forest. Relatives received demands of a $3 million ransom for his safe release, but Maharaj died while in captivity and no ransom was paid. His remains were found in two containers in the Santa Cruz forest on January 8, 2006.