Man charged with killing brother

A man yesterday denied that he was responsible for the murder of his brother.

Rafael Valdes, 41, of Fifth Street, The Grove, proclaimed his innocence as police escorted him into the South Street Magistrates’ Complex while his siblings taunted him.

Prosecutors allege that Valdes fatally shot physical education teacher Andrew Valdes between December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2021.

He was not required to enter a plea to the charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt and returns to court on March 30.

The teacher was the country’s first murder of the year. He was found murdered at the Stapledon School for The Mentally Disabled on New Year’s Day.

Valdes faced additional charges.

Prosecutors say he pulled a handgun on Jeffrey Morley on different occasions in December.

Valdes is accused of pointing a gun at Morley on December 7, 2020 with the intention of putting him in fear.

Prosecutors allege that Valdes pulled a gun on Morley on New Year’s Eve and threatened to kill him.

He is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and threats of death.

Valdes elected trial in the magistrate court and entered not guilty pleas.

As criminal trials in the lower courts are suspended due to COVID-19, Ferguson-Pratt tentatively set a trial date of September 16.

Valdes, who didn’t have a lawyer, asked for an earlier trial date.

He said, “I didn’t do these things. I really could prove my innocence.”

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/man-charged-with-killing-brother/