Philipsburg:--- The 17 year old suspect who surrendered to police for slaying of Otmar Fernando Leonard ( 22) last Wednesday is refusing to cooperate with the investigators. Police Spokesman Humphrey Giterson said the suspect has chosen to use his right to remain silent. Giterson said the suspect told them that whatever he has to say will be said in front of the judge on Monday.Prosecutor Rienk Mud in an invited comment said that the suspect appeared in front of the judge early Monday morning but he maintained his silence. Mud said while the suspect is using his rights to zip his lips that would not prevent his office from prosecuting the suspect.
The 17 year old identified as H.K.I surrendered to police on Thursday with a lawyer. It is believed that the suspect who is known to police is acting based on the advice he received from his legal representative.
Members of the voluntary Korps were seen doing their very best to cover the face of the suspect as he was taken to court. It is understood that the officers were ordered to do so since the suspect is a minor.
In an invited comment Attorney at law Brenda Brooks said that she advised her client to remain silent until the file is available to her. Brooks said her client is a minor and he is probably traumatized at the turn of events. The case she said will be tried behind close doors as she intends to make sure the law is respected.
"Minors cannot be questioned without their attorneys present based on the law." Brooks said she would also be fighting to get her client out from the Philipsburg holding cell because right now the young man needs help and he cannot get that help among hardened criminals.
The stabbing incident occurred in Belvedere somewhere close to midnight during a fight. "I don't know what the circumstances are right now, this could well be a self defence case." Brooks said.
