A jury trial is set to begin Tuesday for two men accused of luring a victim to an isolated area of St. Thomas and brutalizing him to extract money. Defendants Troy Harrigan and Desie C. Henry Jr. are facing multiple charges linked to their alleged actions between Sept. 13-14, 2020.
Investigators say the victim in the case was held in chains, pistol-whipped, stabbed, and struck with a hammer over the course of two days. Charges contained in an amended charging document issued in mid-July included kidnapping to extract money; conspiracy; first- and third-degree assault; and possession of dangerous weapons during the commission of violent crimes.
Charges brought against a second co-defendant were dropped by prosecutors one week before jury selection took place. On June 27, as she prepared for trial, defendant Louvina Pringle said in court filings she did not participate in or assist in the alleged abduction of her brother, Percival Pringle.
The motion to dismiss charges against Louvina Pringle was granted by the court July 21.
Jury selection took place Monday in the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Denise Francois, with opening arguments expected to start Tuesday. Court filings suggest lawyers representing the two defendants will take a day and a half to present their case.
More than a dozen subpoenas have been issued for witnesses expected to testify at trial. They include the victim in the case, medical professionals, investigators and local business operators.
