by Linda Straker
- 38-year-old fisherman charged for beating death of senior citizen
- Ralph Bernard Cronneit of Black Bay died as a direct result of the beating by Desrion Thomas
Days after the death of 73-year-old Ralph Bernard Cronneit of Black Bay, St John, police charged a 38-year-old fisherman for causing his death.
Desrion Thomas of Palmiste appeared at the Gouyave Magistrate Court on Monday facing a charge of manslaughter following the death of Cronneit who died on 12 October 2018.
Reports are that an unknown assailant beat Cronneit all over his body including his head with a piece of wood in June. After he was discovered, Cronneit was taken to the General Hospital where he received extended care.
A report was made to the police when he was found, but no one was initially detained, arrested and charged for the crime. Police continued investigations in the months that followed, and their work resulted in the arrest and subsequent charging of Thomas for the indictable offence of manslaughter.
Police said that according to the medical report, Cronneit died as a direct result of the beating.
Thomas who is presently on EC$50,000 bail with 2 sureties will return to court on 12 November 2018. As part of the bail conditions, he also has to report to the Gouyave Police Station every Monday between 6 am and 6 pm.
