Teenager on trial over murder

A TEENAGER accused of murdering his friend after consuming marijuana has been committed to stand trial at the National Court after police had provided sufficient evidence in the case.
Magistrate Paul Nii committed Johnson Ombi, 18, from Kauwo village in Pangia, Southern Highlands, who was 16 at the time of the alleged offence, to stand trial after ruling on evidence which was found to be sufficient to make a case against Ombi.
“I’m satisfied with the state’s evidence that the defendant was connected to the weapon that was allegedly used in the commission of the crime,” he said.
“I’m also satisfied with evidence that the defendant and the victim were together prior and at the time of purported murder.
“However, I must be very careful in my decision about the defendant’s identification. The defendant denies the allegation, but all the people who are giving evidence are not strangers to the defendant.”