<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A 25-year-old Jamaican national has been formally charged with the murder of Trinidad and Tobago businessman Sterling Francois, a case that has drawn widespread attention due to the nature of the allegations and the additional criminal matters now before the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The accused, identified as Deandre Markland<\/strong> of Holly Betaudier Avenue, Phase 4-2, Malabar, Arima, made his initial appearance before Master Lisa Singh-Phillip in the Criminal Court, North A, on Monday, July 6. During the hearing, the matter was adjourned until October 30<\/strong>, when the court is expected to receive a status update as the prosecution continues preparing its case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to investigators, the murder charge was officially laid after Trinidad and Tobago’s Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the evidence and advised police that there was sufficient basis to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The charge stems from the death of 45-year-old businessman Sterling Francois<\/strong>, whose body was discovered on June 20, 2026<\/strong>, at his residence in Scallion Circular, Trestrail Lands, Clever Woods, Arima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities reported that Francois suffered multiple chop and stab wounds. While investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive, police have indicated that the homicide investigation involved extensive forensic and detective work before charges were authorized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Police arrested Markland on June 26<\/strong> during an operation in the Malabar district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following his arrest, homicide detectives continued gathering evidence before consulting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. After reviewing the investigative file, prosecutors advised that a murder charge be laid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The investigation was supervised by senior homicide officers, with the formal charge reportedly being laid by Woman Police Constable Mohammed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The murder allegation is not the only legal matter confronting the accused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Court records indicate that Markland is also facing two separate attempted murder charges<\/strong> linked to unrelated violent home invasion incidents. Those matters remain before the courts and are being handled independently from the homicide case involving Francois.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with the murder charge, the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a poignant turn of events, Francois’ funeral took place on the same day the accused appeared before the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family members, close friends and supporters gathered at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church in Tunapuna<\/strong> to celebrate the life of the businessman before he was laid to rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many in attendance, the funeral marked a solemn opportunity to remember Francois while the criminal justice process surrounding his death officially began in the courtroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although a murder charge has now been laid, investigators are expected to continue reviewing evidence as the matter progresses through the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The case is scheduled to return on October 30<\/strong> for a status hearing, where the court is expected to receive updates on disclosure, ongoing investigations and procedural matters before any future trial dates are considered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the accused also facing separate attempted murder proceedings, the coming months are likely to see continued legal developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article is based on information presented in open court and statements released by law enforcement. The accused has been charged but has not been convicted. Under the law, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A 25-year-old Jamaican national has been formally charged with the murder of Trinidad and Tobago businessman Sterling Francois, a case that has drawn widespread attention due to the nature of the allegations and the additional criminal matters now before the courts. The accused, identified as Deandre Markland of Holly Betaudier Avenue, Phase 4-2, Malabar, Arima,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":97,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[36],"class_list":["post-96","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ja-news","tag-jamaican"],"yoast_head":"\nMurder Charge Filed Following DPP’s Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arrest Followed Multi-Day Investigation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Accused Also Facing Separate Attempted Murder Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Funeral Held the Same Day as Court Appearance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Investigation Continues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n