Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/31772-american-couple-found-murdered-in-cupecoy-condominium.html

American couple found murdered in Cupecoy condominium
FRIDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 22:53

CUPECOY--South Carolina married couple Michael and Thelma King were found murdered in their room at Ocean Club Villas Residence and Inn in Cupecoy, on Friday morning, September 21.

The police central dispatch received a call around 11:20am alerting them to the scene where their bodies were found. "Upon arrival police discovered the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman. Both appeared to have sustained lethal stab wounds," stated Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos in a press release issued last night that did not identify the names, ages or nationality of the victims.

"The woman was tied onto a chair. The man was lying on the floor and partially over another chair," continued Mos in describing the scene police officers encountered. "The motive of this horrific crime is as yet unclear. The doctor who was at the crime scene found no indication whatsoever of a possible sexual motive. Speculations earlier today were suggesting this."

Mos also reported that a house search was conducted on judge's orders. This search was completed at 6.30pm. "Police officers have been questioning numerous possible witnesses that might be able to contribute to the investigation."

The bodies of the Kings were discovered when their long-time friend Topper Daboul (owner of Topper's Restaurant) grew concerned of not hearing from them for a day and decided to visit them personally. Michael King had recently sold a label company that he owned and was in partnership with Daboul to open a rum factory.

"I last talked with Michael on Wednesday and he left my house around 4:30, 5:00 in the afternoon to go to the plant where they are building the rum factory," Daboul said. "Some other friends had a drink with him later that night. I don't know what happened after that."
Daboul said that he was not able to reach the Kings all day Thursday and found it strange because "usually he'll say he's tied up and can't be reached."

"The fact that he didn't call made me a little suspicious but not a lot. Maybe he had an argument with his wife, I don't know," he said.

When Daboul could not reach his friends on Friday morning, he decided to drive up to their condominium. He knocked on the door and no one answered. He then went to talk to the security guard who said that the wife usually takes out the garbage early in the morning but did not do so "yesterday morning or this morning."

It was then that Daboul asked the brother of a housekeeper who happened to be there to climb over the fence to see if he could see anything. "He climbed and then screamed and said there's a man kneeling over a chair with blood all around him," Daboul said. He asked if the man saw anybody else and he said no.

Daboul then alerted the police who found Thelma dead as well. "They wouldn't give any more information on how she was found," Daboul said.

Information as to how long the bodies lay undiscovered in the condominium for was unavailable up to press time.

The Kings were part time residents of St. Maarten as they frequented the island a lot. "Every couple of months they're here. They come here a lot. They own two condos up there [Ocean Clubs, ed.]," Daboul said. "These two people probably had to hang their wings up at night.

They were really good people," Daboul said of his friends.

The couple were in their 50s and do not have any children.

The Daily Herald understands that police recovered Michael King's credit card and mobile phone in an abandoned vehicle and realized it was linked to him after calling numbers in the phone. Details of where the vehicle was found could not be determined, however, this newspaper understand that the vehicle did not belong to Michael King.
 ::snipping2::


Edit to change NC to SC in subject title per TM's request.  (Replies 1 thru 3) And to snip post. MB

Would a kind mod please change the initials from NC to SC in the thread title.

Sorry about that, should be South Carolina...   :2redface: Done.  MB

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012/09/22/south-carolina-couple-killed-in-st-maarten/57823298/1

(9/22/12)

South Carolina couple killed in St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) -- A couple from South Carolina has been killed in the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten, police said Friday.

The bodies of Michael and Thelma King were found Friday in their beachfront condominium, according to police spokesman Ricardo Henson.

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said both Americans appeared to have fatal stab wounds and the woman was tied to a chair in the home in the Ocean Club Resort in Cupecoy. He said police were interviewing possible witnesses.

Local restaurant owner Topper Daboul told The Associated Press that he was a friend of Michael King and that they were building a rum factory together.

He said that King had recently sold an unidentified company in the U.S.

"These two people probably had to hang their wings up at night. That's how beautiful they were," Daboul said. "Their life was pretty successful ... They had oodles of dollars. They had everything they ever wanted in life."

Neither Daboul nor police knew the King's hometown. Both were in their 50s.

Daboul said he last saw Michael King on Wednesday afternoon.

 ::snipping2::

Daboul said he drove over to the apartment on Friday and banged on the door. He said he asked a person who had been on the premises at the time to climb over a fence and see if they saw anyone in the house.

Daboul said the person told him that he saw a dead man leaning over a chair.

The Kings were part-time residents of St. Maarten and owned several homes.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120922/PC16/120929746/1165/friends-shocked-at-deaths-of-michael-thelma-king-in-st-maarten

Friends shocked at deaths of Michael, Thelma King in St. Maarten

Prentiss Findlay Posted: Saturday, September 22, 2012 12:46 a.m.
UPDATED: Saturday, September 22, 2012 2:10 a.m.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Friends of Michael and Thelma King were stunned Friday to learn of their violent deaths in the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten.

“It’s beyond me. It was such a shock,” said Terry Tamblyn of Isle of Palms. “I can’t figure any reason. It was crazy to me. Everybody loved Mike and Thelma.”
 
The couple resided at a Tolers Cove condominum where they stayed much of the year.

Michael King was a generous man, said Tamblyn, who was a partner with King in St. Maarten rental property. King and his wife were on the island for vacation and business, he said.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back,” Tamblyn said. “They were just the greatest people in the world. I can’t think of any enemies.”

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos in St. Maarten said the couple was stabbed. Thelma King was tied to a chair. Michael King was lying on the floor and partially over another chair, according to a press release issued by the prosecutor and posted at the St. Martin News website.

“The motive of this horrific crime is yet unclear,” Mos said.

The bodies of the couple were found Friday in their beachfront condominium, according to police spokesman Ricardo Henson, the Associated Press reported.

King was a retired insurance executive who later started a successful printing business that he sold, Tamblyn said.

Tamblyn last spoke with King two weeks ago.

“He was excited. He didn’t have any problems,” Tamblyn said.

King owned a couple of restaurants on the island, and was on the verge of kicking off a new spiced-rum business, Tamblyn said.

The couple was last heard from Wednesday night. The bodies were discovered Friday morning by a friend, Tamblyn said.

On Wednesday night they had drinks and ate at a Mexican restaurant called Macho Nacho, he said. Friends could not reach the couple all day Thursday, which was unusual, he said.

Murder is a rarity in St. Maarten. “It’s just shocking. It’s one of the places that I feel safe,” Tamblyn said.

The Kings’ Mount Pleasant condominium is at the end of a cul-de-sac in Tolers Cove on the Intracoastal Waterway next to the Ben Sawyer Bridge.

A man who identified himself as a brother of Michael King answered the door. He asked that his name not be used. He said that he was angry and shocked because of the crime and that he was heading to St. Maarten.

 ::snipping2::

Tamblyn said King was working on a business to import rum, then put spices into it at a factory and warehouse.

 ::snipping2::

http://www2.counton2.com/news/2012/sep/21/6/south-carolina-couple-killed-st-maarten-ar-4598044/

South Carolina couple killed in St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - A couple from South Carolina has been killed in the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten.

The bodies of Michael and Thelma King were found in their beachfront condominium Friday and police spokesman Ricardo Henson says there are signs of foul play.

 ::snipping2::

In a statement issued to the "Saint Martin News Network," the government and Cheif Prosecutor commented on the double homicide. The statements from their website are below.

STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. MAARTEN.

Officials of the Government of St. Maarten issued an immediate statement upon hearing about the murder of two American citizens in St. Maarten.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the couple found murdered at the Ocean Club in St. Maarten. Since the incident is still under investigation, we cannot comment about the details at this time, but we can assure you that every government resource is being brought into play to
investigate and solve this case."

Press release issued by Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos concerning the murders.

Late this morning Police were informed about a possible crime scene in a house at the Ocean Club Resort in Cupecoy. Upon arrival Police discovered the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman. Both appeared to have sustained lethal stab wounds.

The woman was tied onto a chair. The man was lying on the floor and partially over another chair. The motive of this horrific crime is yet unclear. The doctor who was at the crime scene found no indication whatsoever of a possible sexual motive. Speculations earlier today were suggesting this.

Police have secured the crime scene and the forensic department of the Sint Maarten Police Force have been conducting a thorough investigation. Subsequently a house search was conducted on judge's order. This search was completed at 6.30 PM.

Police officers have been questioning numerous possible witnesses that might be able to contribute to the investigation.

Although information on the identity of both victims has been out, Police have not been able to conduct a formal identification, as next of kin have not yet been informed. The Public Prosecutor's Office has been in contact with the American Consul in Curaçao and has requested the Consul to inform the family members. As long as no formal identification has taken place no information on the identity of the victims can be divulged.

A Police investigation team of 25 officers are involved in the investigation.



(http://www2.counton2.com/mgmedia/image/0/0/381715/michael-and-thelma-king/)
Michael and Thelma King photo from Facebook

Thank you MuffyBee!   ::MonkeyKiss::

I didn't know you'd have to change each post...I would have waited if I'd known that.   :2redman:

http://mtpleasant.live5news.com/news/news/70272-mt-pleasant-couple-killed-st-maarten

Mt. Pleasant couple killed in St. Maarten

Submitted by Philip Weiss, Community Web Producer
Saturday, September 22nd, 2012, 2:43pm

(http://media.dtsph.com/sites/live5news.com/files/imagecache/story615/19612624_BG1.jpg)
Michael and Thelma King. (Source: WIS)

CHARLESTON, SC (AP/WCSC)- A couple from South Carolina was found dead in a beachfront condominium in the Dutch Caribbean country of St. Maarten on Friday.

Police say the bodies of Michael and Thelma King were found in their condo late Friday morning and both appeared to have sustained lethal stab wounds. Michael King, who is from the Irmo-Chapin area in South Carolina, owned a home there, as well as in Mt. Pleasant and St. Maarten.

According to a release by Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos, a team of 25 officers are investigating the murder. A motive for the crime is unclear.

 ::snipping2::

The Kings lived part time in St. Maarten and lived the rest of the year in Charleston.

 ::snipping2::

Thelma King's Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/thelma.king.14

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10462-st-maarten-police-investigating-double-homicide-of-american-couple-tourists-brutally-murdered-in-ocean-club-hotel-room-updated.html

St. Maarten Police Investigating Double Homicide of American Couple --- Tourists Brutally Murdered in Ocean Club Condominium. (UPDATED)

FRIDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 14:48   

Cupe Coy:--- Police on St. Maarten are busy investigating the gruesome murder of a couple that was vacationing on the island at the Ocean Club Resort in Cupe Coy. According to information reaching SMN News, the bodies were found by a well known restaurateur from Simpson Bay. It is not yet clear what type of relationship the businessman had with the victims and how long they were on the island.

The victims have been identified as Micheal and Thelma King of South Carolina who are also part-time residents of St. Maarten since they owned several homes on the island.

 ::snipping2::


(The COMMENTS are interesting imo)

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/st-maarten-cops-arrest-man-us-couples-murder-17301940

St. Maarten Cops Arrest Man in US Couple's Murder

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten September 23, 2012 (AP)

St. Maarten police say they have arrested a suspect in the slayings of a South Carolina couple.

Police spokesman Ricardo Henson says the male suspect was arrested before dawn Sunday. He has not been charged yet.

Henson says more details about the man could not be immediately disclosed and says police will issue a statement "as soon as more information can be divulged."

 ::snipping2::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrhfugAe-20

Mike & Thelma King

Published on Sep 22, 2012 by St. Martin St.Maarten sxmtravelforum

Never Forget! September 20, 2012

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10469-suspect-in-double-homicide-arrested-police-work-round-the-clock-to-arrest-jamaican-suspect.html

Suspect in Double Homicide Arrested --- Police Work Round the Clock to Arrest Jamaican Suspect.

SUNDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2012 07:11   

Philipsburg:--- The Police Force of St. Maarten headed by Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte managed to apprehend a suspect they believe brutally murdered the two Americans in Cupecoy sometime Friday.

According to well placed sources within the police force, the suspect was arrested sometime around 4am Sunday morning in the Cay Hill area. It is not yet clear if the culprit was arrested at his home.

SMN News learnt that the suspect is of Jamaican descent and he is also a security guard that had contact with the victims Michael and Thelma King of Colombia South Carolina. Police also believed that this person was involved in other crimes on St. Maarten.While police are tightlipped on the motives of such a gruesome murder, SMN News learnt that the killing was robbery motivated.

Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson said in a press release that on  September 21st, 2012 two bodies were found on the island of Sint Maarten. The male victim was identified as Michael William KING, age 53. The female victim was identified as his wife, Thelma Strickland KING, age 57. Both were citizens of the United States of America.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10469-suspect-in-double-homicide-arrested-police-work-round-the-clock-to-arrest-jamaican-suspect.html

From the comments:

 ::snipping2::

Security: ...
Some years ago, a security guard from Sheriff Security gruesomely murdered a lady who was later found in the bushes over cole bay hill. He was arrested long after and served time. He is already out of jail and guess where he is working? Yes, same place. Sheriff Security.
September, 23, 2012, 03:35
Votes: +11

 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10468-police-investigation-unfolds-in-cupe-coy-case-identity-of-victims-formally-established.html

Police investigation unfolds in Cupe Coy case --- Identity of victims formally established.

SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2012 19:20   

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/hansmos26022011.jpg)
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos. (File Photo)

Philipsburg:--- Yesterday afternoon a second house search was conducted in an adjacent house to that of the two victims at the Ocean Club Resort. There were indications that this house belonged to the victims who were found in their house at the resort. Nothing was seized. In the victim's house several objects were secured and taken for further investigation. Some of these could be relevant for the forensic department.

Police and prosecutors have been busy writing possible scenarios on the violent death of the two victims as no motive has been established yet.

Family members of the deceased arrived in Sint Maarten this afternoon and were escorted to the Police station where they talked to the Police and the prosecutors. Late this afternoon the family of the victims identified both victims in the funeral home.

The male victim has been identified as Michael William KING, age 53. The female victim is his wife, Thelma Strickland KING, age 57.

The autopsies have been arranged for next Monday.

 ::snipping2::

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4674788627045&set=p.4674788627045&type=1

(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/579745_4674788627045_1680935864_n.jpg)

https://www.facebook.com/sxmpaparazzi/posts/499341390077694

The Real Paparazzi shared Gromyko Wilson's photo.
7 hours ago
This is the apt on Aron jacobs drive, Caybay that the Jamaican man know as Peter was arrested together with his girl friend from Dominican Rep. Two person was in police custody since 4am this morning. The woman was release Sunday afternoon.
This Picture can not be use without my premission in any type of news media/ publication. Photo by Gromyko Wilson

The following includes one of the first articles about the murders, which did say there were signs that Thelma King may have been raped.  I hope that's not true, but knowing how some things are covered up in these investigations I wanted to document it.  I posted the entire link to that story within the post, but the link has been disabled now.  It was also posted and shared many times on Facebook.

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1442236&Main=1442236

Apparent Double Homicide at Ocean Club
      #1442236 - 09/21/12 03:01 PM (98.229.241.121)   

This gives me chills. Gromyko Wilson just posted this a short time ago and I just got off the phone with a neighbor. Skeletal information now... nothing on identity of the victims or motive (under investigation) or whether anyone was seen in the area. Here is what was posted:

Not good news a short time ago from Gromyko Wilson in SXM:

** BREAKING NEWS *** SINT MAARTEN

Two tourists found killed in hotel room

A couple vacationing at Ocean Club was found dead with signs of violence on Friday morning. The man appears to have been beaten to death. The woman was tired up and reportedly showed signs of being raped.

Police and other law enforcement officials are on the scene trying to piece together the details of the crime at the Cupecoy hotel. Whether the killings were a result of a robbery is not yet clear.

The couple was said to be found by a friend, a local restaurateur, who went looking for them.

Investigation is continuing. (courtesy Gromyko Wilson)

--------------------
Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978

Post Extras:               
jmbcomms
Traveler

 
Joined: 04/10/02
Posts: 5093
Loc: New England (home), St. Maarte...   
 Re: Apparent Double Homicide at Ocean Club [Re: jmbcomms]
      #1442245 - 09/21/12 03:23 PM (98.229.241.121)   

All, I started life as a reporter a long time ago. Never assume anything. All we know know is two people were found dead and there were apparently signs of trauma. Beyond that we really know nothing...

--------------------
Jeff Berger
Visiting SXM Since 1978

Post Extras:               
islandgem
Traveler

 
Joined: 01/22/08
Posts: 8961
Loc: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada   
 Re: Apparent Double Homicide at Ocean Club [Re: jmbcomms]
      #1442246 - 09/21/12 03:27 PM (99.240.208.253)   

This is extremely sad and very disturbing. Perhaps as time progresses, more details will evolve. Ocean Club is such a nice quiet resort; it is hard to imagine this happening there. Our thoughts are with all concerned at this most difficult time.

--------------------
 

Post Extras:               
SandyandBill
Traveler

 
Joined: 04/05/03
Posts: 5681
Loc: NH   
 Re: Apparent Double Homicide at Ocean Club [Re: jmbcomms]
      #1442249 - 09/21/12 03:33 PM (71.168.64.158)   

Here's the article in smn-news.com:

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-ma...hotel-room.html

(This is the full link, it has been disabled now...
http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10462-breaking-news-st-maarten-police-investigating-double-homicide-of-american-couple-tourists-brutally-murdered-in-ocean-view-hotel-room.html)

Very sad indeed

Post Extras: 

 ::snipping2::     


This is where the post was copied from originally, and then the other poster found the actual news article link.

https://www.facebook.com/The.Real.Paparazzi/posts/10152135161410581

Gromyko Wilson
Friday at 11:52am via mobile ·
‎*** BREAKING NEWS ***

Two tourists found killed in hotel room

A couple vacationing at Ocean Club was found dead with signs of violence on Friday morning. The man appears to have been beaten to death. The woman was tired up and reportedly showed signs of being raped.

Police and other law enforcement officials are on the scene trying to piece together the details of the crime at the Cupecoy hotel. Whether the killings were a result of a robbery is not yet clear.

The couple was said to be found by a friend, a local restaurateur, who when looking for them.

Investigation is continuing. 

Share 13


https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10151081092296896&id=162144156895

 ::snipping2::

Donn R Arms Is this the same "sophisticated" Dutch style of investigation that was brought to bear on the Natalee Holloway murder?
Saturday at 5:15pm · Like · 1

Kevin Patches Why was rape of the woman immediately released, and then quickly rescinded?
Saturday at 5:45pm via mobile · Like

Everything St. Maarten / St. Martin It was nothing but a rumor...should not have ever been published.
Saturday at 6:08pm · Like

Leslie Bouchard It's very, very sad. I firm's
Saturday at 6:21pm via mobile · Like

Everything St. Maarten / St. Martin We heard about this from a source close to the police. The data we first published was the first report on this, mostly from the SMN News website. The details we published in SXM Weekly News last night were gathered through the day and had multiple credible sources. Not sure why SMN News put that in; it became obvious hours later that it was speculation, not fact, and as I said they should not have published it. Gromyko softened their report as well...it was sensationalized on their site and that's not the way to report the news.
Saturday at 6:24pm · Like

Leslie Bouchard Ooops. I didn't think of St-Maarten this way. In 2010 I ventured out of the Sonesta great bay resort around midnight and walked alone for about 2 hours and never felt safer! (I come from Montreal!)
Saturday at 6:30pm via mobile · Like · 1

Kevin Patches I have been visiting St. Maarten twice a year for the past 15 years and each time I visit, I feel less safe. The government has a terrible reputation for being able to solve crimes, endangering visitors and citizens alike. I do not trust the government of SXM and would not be the least bit surprised to learn later that the report was initially true, only to be rescinded in order to take that portion of the crime out of the headlines. Robbery as a motive is one thing, but the rape and stabbing of American visitors is another. Outside government interference will most likely be needed to solve the crime, SXM officials have a less than poor record for doing so. Just last year, two Dutch yachtsmen were murdered. The perpetrators were caught and sentenced to life sentences, only to have a judge later reduce the sentences to 30 years. Look at St. Croix and other nearby islands who once boasted heavy tourism, only to have crime keep tousists from coming back. It is a future that will further cripple the economy of SXM , and in turn allow for more rampant crime. Very sad indeed, justice should be swift and harsh. Prayers go to all of those effected, including Topper...he is an amazing individual.
Saturday at 6:39pm · Like · 3

Janet Aube This is a travesty. I would not go to Aruba because of what happened to Natalie Holloway. I love st Martin however if the government and police are corrupt who is safe?
Saturday at 7:51pm via mobile · Like · 1

Kimberly A. Bugeja A friend was leaving the restaurants last week near the Atlantis Casino which is in the same vicinity of these murders. He was stopped by a man wearing a mask wanting his watch and wallet - this man was out celebrating his birthday and managed to get away with cuts to his hand done by a "knife" the man got away in the bushes as security from the casino where there. I also heard from a St Maarten resident that a robbery took place last week and the robbers were armed - when the police showed up they starting shooting at the officers and managed to get away. Crime is increasing everywhere - but not as horrific as this - what makes a man turn too such measures??
Saturday at 8:52pm · Like

Karen Williams Lichtenberg What happen to this couple is VERY sad but crime is ALL OVER THE WORLD! Everyday in America a crime is committed. shooting/robbing/abduction of kids/ it's ALL on CNN EVERY SINGLE DAY! also corruption is everywhere, so no place is safe and no one is perfect!
23 hours ago · Like

Cupecoy Beach Club, St. Maarten There has been talk of putting a Police station in Cupecoy, It's time. There is not enough Police presence in Cupecoy to deter, all the bold robberies taking place right in plane sight. Yes crime is everywhere, but in SXM it's too easy for the criminal to steal and run across the border.
16 hours ago · Like

Debbie Shepherd Krueger We come every year for vacation and have loved this island for a long time. I am very concerned about this!
15 hours ago via mobile · Like

https://www.facebook.com/The.Real.Paparazzi/posts/10152139009455581

Gromyko Wilson
20 hours ago via mobile ·
‎*** BREAKING NEWS ***

The police Detective and Arresting Team move on a house located in Caybay.

A house search is busy taking place no info if any arrest was made or any things where confiscated.

All roads leading to Caybay and with in caybay are block no access for visitors or residents.

The law enforcement are busy with the investigation. As soon we receive more information we will send out on a later time.

Paparazzi BBM News
The most reliable news on Blackberry!!



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151097552613591&set=a.10151097552573591.442303.277140293590&type=1

 ::snipping2::

Momo Violenes R.I.P.DNT WRRY THEY GOT HIS ASS LAST NIGHT.HE WAS PICKED UP AT A HOME IN CAY BAY.SOOO SADDD HE IS 29 YEARS OF AGE . WOULDNT SAY MORE
8 hours ago · Like

I'm having trouble opening any of the news articles on one of the SMN websites so maybe the site is just down now, and that link wasn't disabled?

I still think from the comments I've read that the article was probably changed if not removed entirely.  jmo

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1442236&page=0&fpart=3&vc=1

 ::snipping2::

pault21093
Traveler

 
Joined: 03/16/11
Posts: 116
Loc: Towson, Maryland   
 Re: Ocean view vs ocean club [Re: Kennys]
      #1442318 - 09/21/12 07:55 PM (96.244.52.245)   

We stayed at the Ocean Club in early July. In the early morning hours of July 3rd someone(s) attempted to enter the room.

Here's a portion of the email that I sent to the unit owner(rented through VRBO) upon our return. She had asked how everything was.

"There was one troubling event during the early morning hours on Tuesday. My wife was awakened by someone that tried to enter the unit. We had our door locked but not the lower door to the building. This also happened to the people staying in building 11. He was awake and getting a drink at the time. This wasn't a quite gentle turn in an effort to be silent either. When informed staff was dismissive that it even happened. The security guy told me we must be mistaken. Anyway, we always locked the lower door from then on. I would suggest that you advise future renters to do the same."

We informed the front desk. A couple of days later, I spoke to one of the security guards about it as well. He claimed that he had not heard about it. Either he was lying or the desk staff did not even bother to inform security that there was a reported break-in attempt.

Post Extras:   

 ::snipping2::         

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152135650345581&set=p.10152135650345581&type=1&ref=nf

Gromyko Wilson
Crime scene
Share · Friday via mobile

(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/401536_10152135650345581_2085515834_n.jpg)

http://%2A%2A%2A.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/31772-american-couple-found-murdered-in-cupecoy-condominium.html

(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b258/texasmom55/Mike%20and%20Thelma%20King%20St%20Maarten/0921201201_zps4446a10d.jpg)

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/23/world/americas/saint-maarten-couple-killed/index.html?npt=NP1

Police investigate killing of American couple in St. Maarten

By Gabriel Falcon, CNN
updated 8:19 PM EDT, Sun September 23, 2012

(CNN) -- Police on the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten are investigating the killing of an American couple found stabbed in their home, authorities said Sunday.

The bodies of Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina were discovered Friday at their residence in Cupecoy, according to Taco Stein, St. Maarten's solicitor general, who described it as "an ugly scene."

An unidentified suspect was taken into custody early Sunday and is being interviewed, Stein said.

"It's too early to reveal any more details because we are in the early stages of the investigation," he added.

The killings occurred in an area popular with tourists, according to Stein.

"It's generally considered a safe area," he told CNN. "There are a lot of apartments there. This was an ugly scene. This is something that does not happen every day."

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos told the island's Daily Herald newspaper that the victims appeared to have been stabbed to death. Thelma King was found tied to a chair and her husband was lying on the floor, Mos told the newspaper.

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http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/24/world/americas/saint-maarten-couple-killed/index.html

Autopsies done on U.S. couple killed in St. Maarten; suspect due in court
From Martin Savidge and Tristan Smith, CNN
updated 7:01 PM EDT, Mon September 24, 2012

(CNN) -- Autopsies on an American couple found stabbed to death in their St. Maarten home were performed Monday, a day before a suspect in their deaths appears in court, the island's solicitor general said.

The bodies of Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina were discovered Friday at their oceanfront residence in Cupecoy, in what St. Maarten's Solicitor General Taco Stein described as "an ugly scene."

Two days later, an unidentified suspect was arrested. He will appear Tuesday before a judge in the Dutch Caribbean nation, who will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to hold him longer or order his release. No charges have been filed against anyone in the case.

"There are strong indications he is involved in the crime," Stein said Monday of the suspect, without divulging details.

The incarcerated man's attorney, Brenda Brooks, said her client is a 29-year-old man.

Brooks said she'd met with the suspect Monday at a police station in St. Maarten's capital Philipsburg, where he is being held. He had signs of a "beating," according to Brooks, though she gave no indication as to where, when or by whom he might have been beaten.
Stein, who was once solicitor general for Aruba, said authorities "are not certain of the motive in the case."

"Some things are missing" from the King's home, but there were no signs of a break-in.

The killings occurred in what is "generally considered a safe area" that is popular with tourists, according to the solicitor general.

"This is something that does not happen every day," he said.

The suspect and the slain couple didn't appear to know each other, said Stein, noting they "were not moving in the same circles."

 ::snipping2::

CNN's Gabriel Falcon contributed to this report.

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10469-suspect-in-double-homicide-arrested-police-work-round-the-clock-to-arrest-jamaican-suspect-updated.html

(http://www.smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/meyshaunjohnson24092012.jpg)

Suspect in Double Homicide Arrested --- Police Work Round the Clock to Arrest Jamaican Suspect. (UPDATED)
SUNDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2012 07:11   
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Meyshaun Johnson.

Philipsburg:--- The Police Force of St. Maarten headed by Chief Commissioner of Police Peter de Witte managed to apprehend a suspect they believe brutally murdered the two Americans in Cupe-Coy sometime Friday.
According to well placed sources within the police force, the suspect was arrested sometime around 4am Sunday morning in the Cay Bay area and a house search was conducted where the suspect was arrested.

SMN News learnt that the suspect is of Jamaican descent and he is an employee of Checkmate Security Services. The suspect has been identified as Meyshaun Johnson born on December 16th, 1983 on the island of Jamaica. One source said that Johnson had contact with the victims Michael and Thelma King of Colombia South Carolina. Police also believe that this person was involved in other crimes on St. Maarten. While police are tight-lipped on the motives of the gruesome murder, SMN News learnt that the killing was robbery motivated. SMN News has been reliably informed that Johnson was working as a security guard at the Souliga Service Point (SSP) on the Pondfill but due to his suspicious behavior the manager of that company requested that he be removed from the location.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120924/PC16/120929592/1005/autopsies-planned-for-mount-pleasant-couple-slain-in-st-maarten

Autopsies planned for Mount Pleasant couple slain in St. Maarten
staff and wire REPORTS Posted: Monday, September 24, 2012 11:34 a.m.
UPDATED: Monday, September 24, 2012 1:47 p.m.

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten — Autopsies are planned today for a Mount Pleasant couple whose bodies were found in their beachfront condominium on the tiny Dutch Caribbean territory.

 ::snipping2::

Quoting unnamed but “well-placed sources within the police force,” The St. Martin News Network is reporting that the suspect is of Jamaican descent and that he is an employee of Checkmate Security Services.

The News Network identified the suspect as Meyshaun Johnson, a 28-year-old man born in Jamaica. One source reportedly told the News Network that Johnson had contact with the Kings and police suspect he was involved in other crimes in St. Maarten as well. The news agency reported that the killing is believed to be “robbery-motivated.”

The News Network reported that police searched the house in the Cane Bay area where the suspect was arrested. Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein told the news service that items were seized but he declined to give specifics.

Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot-Williams commended police on the arrest:

“I am convinced that like myself, the entire community of St. Maarten hoped and prayed that the perpetrator(s) of last week’s heinous crime would be apprehended and persecuted in the shortest time possible. This was important for our island and its law enforcement, as well as the families of the victims and for law abiding and compassionate people everywhere.

“I had not dared hope however, that before the weekend was over, a suspect in this senseless and brutal act would be arrested. That this has indeed happened must be credited to our entire police force and in particular the team that worked on this investigation. As a nation, we are proud and indebted to you.”

 ::snipping2::

The Kings were part-time residents of St. Maarten and owned a condominium in Toler’s Cove in Mount Pleasant. Their connections in South Carolina extended throughout East Cooper to Columbia, according to Terry Tamblyn, a business partner and longtime friend who lives on the Isle of Palms.

The Kings’ deaths have been a topic of conversation across the island, he said. Some are saying it’s possible they were killed by a robber who knew them enough for the Kings to open the door to him, Tamblyn said. In that case, their deaths were senseless.

“If anybody needed anything, Mike would have wrote him a check,” he said.

Most people Tamblyn has talked to are speculating the Kings were killed for more personal reasons. King was starting to distribute Puerto Rican rum, and it’s possible he was taken out by a competitor, Tamblyn said.

“Everybody I talk to thinks this was more than just a robbery,” Tamblyn said. “They might have stepped on somebody’s toes with this rum business.”

Local restaurant owner Topper Daboul told The Associated Press that he and Michael King were building a rum factory together on the territory.

Daboul said he last saw King on Wednesday afternoon and “some other friends had drinks with them that night.” He said he wasn’t able to reach the Kings on the phone Thursday, so he drove to their house the next day and banged on the door.

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http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/autopsies-conducted-bodies-slain-us-couple-17314242

Autopsies Conducted on Bodies of Slain US Couple

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten September 25, 2012 (AP)

Autopsies are being performed on the bodies of a South Carolina couple who were found stabbed in their beachfront condominium on St. Maarten.

Solicitor General Taco Stein says initial autopsy results for Michael and Thelma King are expected Tuesday. He says it's not clear if toxicology results will also be required.

Stein said Monday he couldn't give any details about the lone male murder suspect, who is being questioned by detectives. He was arrested before dawn Sunday.

The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.

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http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=stmartin&Number=1442571&page=0&fpart=7

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/10453825

Jamaican is suspect in slaying of US couple
AP foreign, Monday September 24 2012
JUDY FITZPATRICK

Associated Press= PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) — Prosecutors in St. Maarten announced Monday that a Jamaican man is the lone suspect in the slayings of a South Carolina couple who were found murdered in their beachfront condominium on the tiny Dutch Caribbean territory.

A Monday evening statement by public prosecutors identified the Jamaican by his initials, M.J.K. It is customary in the Dutch islands' legal system to only refer to criminal suspects by their initials.

The 28-year-old man is so far the only suspect in the slayings of Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Their bodies were found Friday in their condominium in the Dutch territory of 50,000 people that shares a small island with the French dependency of St. Martin.

Authorities have said the couple appeared to have suffered fatal stab wounds. The woman was found tied to a chair, and the man was lying on the floor, partially over an overturned chair. They were both in their 50s.

Prosecutors said autopsies were conducted Monday on the bodies of the Kings, but preliminary results will not be publicly released yet. They expect to release the bodies Tuesday to relatives who have arrived in the Caribbean territory.

Prosecutors said the Jamaican suspect "heavily resisted his arrest, wounding a police officer" during a pre-dawn Sunday operation by law enforcers.

"He has been cooperative to a certain extent but was reluctant to answer critical questions," prosecutors said.

It was not clear if the suspect has a lawyer. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. Law enforcement officials in Jamaica said Monday evening they were not aware that one of the country's nationals was a double-murder suspect in St. Maarten.

Local law allows for pretrial detention while authorities investigate a crime. Prosecutors have three days after an arrest to present enough evidence to a judge in order to prolong any detention without charges.

The prosecutors' evening statement about the Jamaican man was issued shortly after a local security company announced that one of its Jamaican employees was the suspect in the slayings that have shocked the normally placid 16-square mile Dutch Caribbean territory.

St. Maarten's Checkmate Security company issued a statement to reporters saying that "one of our employees has been suspected in this horrible crime."

The business condemned the slayings and said it has "cooperated in every possible way with the police authorities to solve this crime."

During the last couple of days, people on St. Maarten have been buzzing with rumors that a Jamaican security guard was the murder suspect.

 ::snipping2::

Shortly after the slayings were announced, St. Maarten said "every government resource is being brought into play to investigate and solve this case."

---

Associated Press writer David McFadden contributed to this report from Kingston, Jamaica.

https://www.facebook.com/The.Real.Paparazzi/posts/10152143446820581

Gromyko Wilson
8 minutes ago

PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE
Public Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten, September 24th 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Autopsies performed in Cupecoy case. Preliminary results will not yet be released in the interest of the investigation.

Today the autopsies have been performed on the bodies of Michael and Thelma King. The results of the autopsies will be discussed with the prosecutors and the police. Presumably tomorrow the bodies of the victims will be released to the family.

The suspect, identified as M.K.J., a 28 year old male, born in Jamaica, heavily resisted his arrest, wounding a police officer. J., who got wounded too, had to be treated in hospital. Afterwards J. was taken to the police station. Since then he has been questioned. He has been cooperative to a certain extent but was reluctant to answer critical questions.

Yesterday prosecutors had a lengthy conversation with family members of the victims.

Tomorrow the forensic department and the prosecutors will confer with a representative of the Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI) on the research on the forensic material that was secured during this investigation.

During the operation leading to the arrest of the suspect, local police have been cooperating with the French Gendarmerie and the local Coast guard who both had their officers on alert for an extensive length of time in order to prevent the suspect to flee.

The Sint Maarten Police have opened two telephone lines for those who may have any sort of information that might be helpful to this investigation:

For local calls: please call 9300.
For calls from abroad: please call: +1-721-542 0345

End of press release
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Gromyko Wilson The correct name is Meyshane K. Johnson born Dec 16, 1983
7 minutes ago

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/24/world/americas/saint-maarten-couple-killed/index.html

(The article has been updated)

 ::snipping2::

Identifying him only by his initials M.K.J ., the St. Maarten Public Prosecutor's office described the suspect in a Monday press release as a 28-year-old, Jamaican-born man.

The prosecutor's office said the suspect "heavily resisted his arrest," engaging in a confrontation that ended with both him and a police officer "wounded." After being treated at an area hospital, the Jamaican man was taken to a police station.

"He has been cooperative to a certain extent, but was reluctant to answer critical questions," the prosecutor's office said.

 ::snipping2::

Results from the autopsies on Michael and Thelma King will be discussed by prosecutors and police, but they will not be released to the public "in the interest of the investigation," the public prosecutor's office said Monday.

In addition to Tuesday's court hearing, forensic experts and prosecutors will meet with a representative of the Dutch Forensic Institute to discuss material "secured during this investigation," the office said.

The couple's bodies will be handed over "presumably" Tuesday to their relatives, some of whom had a "lengthy conversation" with prosecutors on Sunday, according to the prosecutor.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10484-double-homicide-suspect-did-not-act-alone-suspect-robbed-happy-star-chinese-restaurant-last-week.html

Double Homicide Suspect did not Act Alone --- Suspect Robbed Happy Star Chinese Restaurant Last Week.
MONDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2012 21:15   

(http://www.smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/meyshanejohnson24092012.jpg)
Meyshane Kemar Johnson.

Philipsburg:--- Meyshane Kemar Johnson, the Jamaican suspect who was arrested early Sunday morning for the gruesome murder of American citizens Michael and Thelma King also robbed the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on September 19th, 2012. According to reliable information reaching SMN News, Johnson borrowed someone's car to commit the robbery and police fired a shot at the vehicle.

Sources say the owner of the vehicle called police when he noticed that his vehicle had a bullet hole on it and there were suspicious items inside. SMN News also learnt that police found several incriminating items in the vehicle when they searched it and it is believed that the Kings were murdered that same night. Some of the items found in the vehicle were credit cards and a cell phone belonging to the late Michael King.

According to reliable sources, Johnson was illegally residing on the island and even though he was employed at Checkmate Security Company he indicated to his employer that he applied for the Brooks Tower (BTA) residency papers. SMN News also learnt that since the robbery of Happy Star Restaurant, Johnson did not report to work, instead he called in sick.

The sources further explained that Meyshane Kemar Johnson was working at the Souliga Service Point (SSP) and he was removed from the location, and placed as one of the company's reserves but he never worked for Ocean Club even though Checkmate Security provides guards for the timeshare resort during the morning hours.

SMN News also learnt that police is also looking for another suspect that they believe was involved in the robbery of and gruesome murder of the Kings. Sources close to the investigation state that the second suspect is a St. Maarten born minor of Jamaican descent.


Statement From Checkmate Security Concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.


With reference to the recent murder-case, where an American couple was murdered in their hotel-room, we respectfully wish to inform you that our Company is very concerned especially with the fact that one of our employees has been suspected in this horrible crime.

Our company would first like to say that we condemn this barbaric act to Michael and Thelma King to the highest degree. We deeply sympathize with the family and friends of these long time visitors to our island and we mourn with them for their irreplaceable loss. Our company is in the business of protecting people and property and we cannot in any way associate ourselves with this heinous crime.

We are cognizant that the police is still investigating this horrible crime. However, based on widespread media reports our company would like to state that our operation certainly does considerable investigation before we employ someone as a security guard. It is quite common for us to request various sorts of proof of previous employment of possible candidates.

Not only with the local authorities, but whenever possible also with foreign agencies.

The person concerned is originally from Jamaica and before his services were engaged, our Company obtained information also from his country of origin. There was no indication of any reason to consider this case even a "doubtful one".

Within our Company we believe that this person is an example of cases where a human being can change and commit things completely out of the ordinary. Quite often negative influences/relations, and even overconfidence may lead to wrong and even criminal actions. Such actions are regularly published in the local and international press. Cases with law enforcement authorities have also happened in the past.

You may even recall that not too long ago in St. Maarten a person employed with the authorities was sentenced and sent to prison for various crimes committed while he occupied an important position with the Government.

Our company wishes to mention that it has cooperated in every possible way with the police authorities to solve this crime soonest possible.

Our Company wishes to assure you that this case is compelling us to be even more careful than we already are in our screening and investigations when engaging security employees.

 

Updated press release issued by Public Prosecutor's Office concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.


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http://www.newsfbi.com/bodies-of-u-s-couple-killed-in-st-maarten-are-handed-over-to-relatives.html

Bodies of U. S. couple killed in St. Maarten are handed over to relatives


On September 25th, 2012, posted in: AMERICA NEWS by news


The bodies of an Ameriсan сouple killed on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten wеrе released to fаmily members Tuesdаy as quеstions about their deaths rеmain unanswered.

A mаn arrested in connection wіth the stabbing deаths had bееn scheduled to appеar before a judge Tuesdaу, but that appearance was pushed to Wednesdаy, according to the іsland’s solicitor general, Taco Steіn. The proceedіngs will not be opеn to the public.

Steіn gave no reason for why the appearance was rescheduled.

Autopsіes were performed Monday on the couplе, found stabbed to deаth in theіr St. Maartеn homе, the solicitor general said.

The bodіes of Michael and Thelma King of South Carolina were disсovered Friday at their oceаnfront residence in Cupеcoy, іn what Stein desсribed as “an ugly sсene.”

The suspect was аrrested Sunday, and authorities are working to determіne whеthеr there was suffiсient evidenсe to keep him in custodу. No charges have been filed against аnyone so far in thе case.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/international/Sadness-in-Dutch-Caribbean-over-slain-US-couple_30513407

Sadness in Dutch Caribbean over slain US couple
Updated: Tuesday, 25 Sep 2012, 7:21 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 25 Sep 2012, 7:21 PM EDT

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) — Friends and relatives gathered Tuesday in St. Maarten to remember and honor the lives of an American husband and wife who were stabbed to death in their Dutch Caribbean vacation home.

Roughly 100 people, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with images of the couple, Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, congregated at Topper's Restaurant & Bar on the Dutch Caribbean territory they both loved. Some wept as they looked at photographs of the pair.

Allen Sinkler, a friend from Mount Pleasant who said he knew the couple for 15 years and regularly traveled with them to St. Maarten, said he last saw them alive on Wednesday evening

"I'm not leaving St. Maarten without their bodies," said Sinkler, as his voice trailed off and his eyes welled with tears.

Organizers of the memorial asked reporters not to speak to the Kings' relatives, who received their bodies Monday after autopsies were conducted.

The Tuesday evening memorial came as authorities in St. Maarten postponed the first court appearance for a Jamaican man who has been detained in the killing of the American couple.

Defense attorney Brenda Brooks said Meyshane K. Johnson will be arraigned Wednesday. Brooks said Tuesday that the 28-year-old Jamaican suspect denies any involvement in the slaying of the Kings, who were found stabbed to death in their beachfront condominium on Friday.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.abcnews4.com/story/19627814/st-maarten-murders-its-just-unfathomable?

St. Maarten Murders: "It's just unfathomable"

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 5:57 PM CDT
Updated: Sep 25, 2012 4:27 PM CDT

By Valencia Wicker
vwicker@abcnews4.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) – When Jon Osborne heard about the murders of Michael and Thelma King, he says if felt like losing members of his family.

"Devastated. Shocked," said Osborne, manager of Waters Edge Restaurant on Shem Creek. "You know I maintained my composure and I lost control when I got home."

Osborne says Michael and Thelma often spent time at Waters Edge and were well known.

"The Kings were just really nice people that came in two or three times a month if they were in town. Sometimes, more than that if they had more time. But they were very active in the community."

Police say Michael and Thelma were stabbed and murdered in their St. Maarten condo Friday.

The suspect has only been identified by his initials, MKJ.

Michael and Thelma's family released this statement Tuesday:

"We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support we've received over the past few days and want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who has reached out to us with phone calls, emails, notes, flowers, meals and, most importantly, prayers. We know that Mike and Thelma touched the lives of so many people. We are truly grateful for the support and expressions of sympathy. We ask that you continue to pray for our family in the days ahead, and we ask the media to respectfully grant us privacy and time to grieve."

Osborne says Michael was a knowledgeable business man.

"One thing with Mike, we would always talk about the restaurant business, because he was also in the restaurant business as well in Columbia and, a few restaurants in St. Maarten. We'd talk about the economy."

Osborne says the couple would enjoy drinks with friends on the cabana at Waters Edge.

"Thelma would always come up and say ‘Hey Jon, how are you?' And, hug me and put a kiss on my cheek."

Osborne says he and others who knew the Kings are struggling to wrap their heads around the crime.

"Completely devastated. I think it's the one common word that every one is using.  This is just devastating," Osborne said. "To have this tragedy happen to them, it's just unfathomable. No one can understand why this happened."

 ::snipping2::
 

http://www2.counton2.com/news/2012/sep/25/preliminary-autopsy-results-couple-killed-st-maart-ar-4623810/

Preliminary autopsy results in for couple killed in St. Maarten

By: MICHELE SOBEL | WCBD
Published: September 25, 2012

Preliminary results are in from autopsies performed on the bodies of a South Carolina couple who were found stabbed in their beachfront condominium on St. Maarten.

Solicitor General Taco Stein confirmed to News 2 that knife wounds were present on both victims, and that the cause of death was loss of blood.

 ::snipping2::

http://bvinews.com/bvi/jamaican-community-tense-after-double-murder-in-st-maarten/

Jamaican community tense after double murder in St. Maarten
The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre - Tuesday, September 25th, 2012 at 3:48 PM

An air of gloom is said to be permeating the Jamaican community in the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten, following the arrest of a Jamaican security guard in connection to the murder of an American couple on Sunday.

Reports out of St. Maarten say Meshane Kemar Johnson is now in police custody for the murder of Michael and Thelma King.

President of the Jamaica Social and Heritage Foundation, Marsha Thomas has described the arrest as a blow to the community, which she says is already battling with a stigma as a result of criminal actions carried out by Jamaicans in the past.

She said the locals are evidently not happy with the news of another Jamaican being implicated in a crime in their country.

 ::snipping2::

Johnson is also said to be living in St. Maarten illegally.

Reports also indicate that the police are looking for another man of Jamaican descent, who is believed to be Johnson’s accomplice in the robbery and murder.

In April last year, the government in St. Maarten enforced visa restrictions for Jamaicans and Guyanese wishing to travel to that country.

At that time, the officials said the new regulation was prompted by statistics, which indicated visitors of Jamaican and Guyanese nationalities were overstaying their entry time on the island as well as the increase in the crime.

http://www.todaysxm.com/2012/09/25/opinion-condolences/

Opinion: Condolences

POSTED: 09/25/12 2:02 PM

The murder of Michael and Thelma King has made a deep impression, not only on ordinary citizens, but also on local politicians. The outpouring of condolences to family, friends and loved ones of the Kings by the prime minister, cabinet-members, COM-President Alain Richardson, and even the employer of the arrested suspect is unprecedented in St. Maarten’s history as we know it. Part of these messages is without any doubt genuine, but there is also another side to the story: the fear for a backlash against the islands tourism-economy.

Because the large-scale team of investigators – 25 strong according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office – managed to arrest a suspect so quickly, that backlash will most likely not materialize. But St. Maarten is sure getting its part of negative publicity in media in the United States, Canada, Europe and the wider Caribbean.

News broadcaster CNN and the Live5 TV-station from South Carolina both have approached this newspaper for information and we have given that to the best of our abilities, without falling in the cheap trap of rumor mongering that is so popular at undisciplined and unprincipled so-called news web sites on our island.

Comments on the story on the CNN website show that some Americans are still badmouthing Aruba about the Natalee Holloway disappearance from May 2005, but there are plenty of others who point out that in some American cities more people get murdered in a week than in a year in the Caribbean. (That would probably be true if one excluded Jamaica).

Anyway, the fallout from this grisly and horrible crime seems to be limited in terms of the economy.

That does not change the fact that two people who loved our island have lost their lives at the hands of a lunatic, or maybe even at the hands of more lunatics.

It is hard to imagine why anyone would want to murder two people in such a horrific way. If this was an ordinary robbery, the robbers could just have taken off with what they wanted and leave their victims alone.

If there is more to the story than meets the eye right now – well, we would not want to speculate about that, and we trust that when the investigation is completed and the suspect or suspects stand in front of our resident judge, the true facts about the case will become public knowledge. Until then there is little else to do that, indeed, extend condolences on behalf of the whole island to the family, friends and loved ones of Michael and Thelma King. For what it’s worth we add here the condolences on behalf of the Today Newspaper management and staff.

From April 2011

http://www.todaysxm.com/2011/04/13/visa-requirement-for-guyanese-and-jamaicans-to-enter-st-maarten-takes-effect/

Visa requirement for Guyanese and Jamaicans to enter St. Maarten takes effect

POSTED: 04/13/11 12:23 PM
St. Maarten – New regulations requiring Guyanese and Jamaicans to obtain a visa to enter St. Maarten took effect on Monday. This was confirmed in a statement by Justice Minister Roland Duncan on Tuesday. The move is based on a request by Justice Minister that was supported by the Council of Ministers.

In his statement Duncan states that communiqués have been sent to various stakeholders informing them of the regulation taking effect and advising people that visas must be sought in their home countries. The person or agency who invites someone from Jamaica or Guyana to St. Maarten should also submit a written request to the Immigration Department for approval.

In order to obtain a visa the applicant will have to present a color, passport size photo, a passport that will valid for three months after the persons visit to St. Maarten, a job letter, company registration or school letter, a bank letter, a copy of their travel itinerary, a copy of their passport, and travel medical insurance of at least $15, 000 dollars.

People who have been invited will also have to show a copy of the inviter’s passport and proof that the inviter is residing here legally. If the person will be staying in a hotel they will have to show a copy of their confirmed booking and between $100 dollars and $200 dollars per day.

The request for a visa can only be made within the three months before the travel date and people should anticipate that it will take two to three weeks for the request to be handled. Further information on how to apply and the requirements are posted on the website of the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry: www.minbuza.nl.

“It is of utmost importance that all persons traveling to St. Maarten who are of Guyanese and Jamaican nationality, be aware and informed that all border controls are in place to ensure that this new policy is enforced,” Duncan stated in his release.

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/articleGallery/Sadness-in-Dutch-Caribbean-over-slain-US-couple-3893419.php

Sadness in Dutch Caribbean over slain US couple
JUDY FITZPATRICK, Associated Press
Updated 8:49 p.m., Tuesday, September 25, 2012

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (AP) — Friends and relatives gathered Tuesday in St. Maarten to remember and honor the lives of an American husband and wife who were stabbed to death in their Dutch Caribbean vacation home.
Roughly 100 people, many wearing T-shirts emblazoned with images of the couple, Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, congregated at Topper's Restaurant & Bar on the Dutch Caribbean territory they both loved. Some wept as they looked at photographs of the pair.

 ::snipping2::

The Tuesday evening memorial came as authorities in St. Maarten postponed the first court appearance for a Jamaican man who has been detained in the killing of the American couple.
Defense attorney Brenda Brooks said Meyshane K. Johnson will be arraigned Wednesday. Brooks said Tuesday that the 28-year-old Jamaican suspect denies any involvement in the slaying of the Kings, who were found stabbed to death in their beachfront condominium on Friday.

 ::snipping2::

Rion Spangler, a South Carolina man who said he had been friends with Michael King since elementary school, said the Kings were happily married for more than two decades. He said his friend would have stopped to help anyone, perhaps even the person who killed him and his wife.

"Mike would have been the kind of guy who let him in and then turned his back to get a Coke for him," Spangler said in phone interview.
___
Associated Press writer Jeffrey Collins contributed to this report from Columbia, South Carolina.


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Friends of Michael and Thelma King wear T-shirts emblazoned with photos of the couple during a memorial to honor their lives in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. Prosecutors in St. Maarten announced Monday that a Jamaican man is the lone suspect in the slayings of the Mount Pleasant, South Carolina couple who were found last Friday murdered in their beachfront condominium on the tiny Dutch Caribbean territory. Photo: Judy Fitzpatrick / AP

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Friends of Michael and Thelma King weep during a memorial to honor their lives in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. 
::snipping2::
Photo: Judy Fitzpatrick / AP

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An exterior sign at Topper's Restaurant & Bar displays a message about Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. 
::snipping2::
Photo: Judy Fitzpatrick / AP

(http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/15/27/57/3505150/3/628x471.jpg)

An undated picture of Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, hangs inside Topper's Restaurant in Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. 

::snipping2::
Photo: Judy Fitzpatrick / AP

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An exterior view of the apartment owned by Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in Cupecoy Beach, St. Maarten, Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. 
::snipping2::
Photo: Judy Fitzpatrick / AP

Any chance this is gang related? 

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57520599-504083/st-maarten-murder-meyshane-k-johnson-suspect-in-s.c-couples-slaying-to-appear-in-court/

St. Maarten Murder: Meyshane K. Johnson, suspect in S.C. couple's slaying, to appear in court

(CBS/AP) PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The man accused of killing South Carolina couple Michael and Thelma King, who were found in their Dutch Caribbean vacation home, is set to be arraigned in a St. Maarten court today.

The Kings, both in their 50s, were found stabbed to death in their beachfront condo on Friday. Thelma King was found tied to a chair and her husband was lying on the floor.

Meyshane K. Johnson, a 28-year-old Jamaica man, is being held in the couple's murder. Johnson, who works as a security guard in St. Maarten, denies any involvement.

 ::snipping2::

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.406622546058163.97592.128588073861613&type=1

The Suspect Arraigned for the Murders of the Kings
By SMN News (Albums) · Updated 2 hours ago

Court of First Instance Philipsburg St. Maarten.

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More pictures at the link.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10498-jamaican-murder-suspect-to-be-arraigned-on-wednesday-victims-died-of-severe-blood-loss.html

Jamaican Murder Suspect to be Arraigned on Wednesday --- Victims Died of Severe Blood Loss.
TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2012 22:17   

Philipsburg:--- Meyshane Kemar Johnson, the man police believe murdered the American couple Michael and Thelma King in their Cupe Coy Beach home last week will be led before the judge of instruction on Wednesday confirmed Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein in press release. Stein said the autopsies on the bodies were conducted on Tuesday and they were subsequently released to the family. St. Maarten's Attorney General said based on the preliminary findings the pathologist said the Kings died from severe blood loss due to stab wounds they received from the culprit(s). SMN News contacted Attorney General Taco Stein to gain further information. When asked by SMN News how many stab wounds the victims received, Stein said that in the interest of the investigation that information will not be released. SMN News then asked if the suspect confessed to the gruesome murder and robbery he is suspected of committing last Wednesday evening, Stein said that the suspect told police some things but he is not talking much about the killing of the Kings.
 ::snipping2::

Updated press release issued by Public Prosecutor's Office concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.

On Tuesday the bodies of Michael and Thelma King, who became victims of a violent crime last week, were released to their family members. The suspect in this case, 28 year old M.K.J., who was arrested last Sunday morning, will be led before the judge on Wednesday.

The prosecutor prolonged the first term of custody (two days) today with another eight days. On Wednesday, the judge will check the lawfulness of the arrest and the prolongation of the custody.

The prosecution discussed the preliminary results of the autopsy with the family members. In the interest of the investigation, no details can be divulged on the outcome of the autopsy nor the conversation with the family.

On Tuesday afternoon, the forensic material that was secured on different locations was discussed amongst prosecutors, the forensic department, and a representative of the Dutch Forensic Institute, NFI. The selected items will undergo forensic research at the NFI in order to establish whether relevant evidence or leads have been detected.

Police also questioned several witnesses on Tuesday. The suspect has been further interrogated but on advice of counsel chose not to speak at this point.

No information was received on either tip-line so far. The public is called upon to inform the police on any information that could be helpful to the investigation.
For local calls: please call 9300.
For calls from abroad: please call: +1-721-542 0345

 ::snipping2::

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120926/PC16/120929428

Suspect ordered held in St. Maarten slaying of Mount Pleasant couple

Glenn Smith Posted: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 9:43 a.m.
UPDATED: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 4:29 p.m.

A judge in St. Maarten this morning approved prosecutors’ requests to detain a suspect in the slayings of a Mount Pleasant couple for at least another week while the investigation continues.

The suspect, a 28-year-old Jamaican man, was hustled into a closed hearing in a Philipsburg courthouse with a shirt draped over his head to protect his privacy because he has not been formally charged in the killings of Michael and Thelma King. The Kings were found stabbed to death Friday in their beachfront condo.

“We usually try to protect (suspects’) privacy because they are still suspects, not convicted people,” Solicitor General Taco Stein said.

The judge agreed that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to keep the suspect behind bars for another seven days, Stein said. Prosecutors would then have to renew their request to detain the man, he said.

The suspect did not address the court, and his attorney, Brenda Brooks, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Though some media outlets are reporting that a hunt is on for a second suspect, Stein said that is incorrect.

“We do have an open mind for the possibility of more than one suspect, but it is not like some of the newspapers wrote that we already have someone as a target,” he said.

Stein said he believes the Kings’ bodies have been removed from the island by relatives. The family was cleared on Tuesday to take the bodies back to the United States for burial after autopsies determined the Kings bled to death from stab wounds, authorities said.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/09/26/jamaican-security-guard-detained-in-deaths-sc-couple-on-caribbean-island/

Judge orders Jamaican to be held in deaths of SC couple on Caribbean island

Published September 26, 2012
Associated Press

 ::snipping2::

The hearing was closed to the press and public, but Solicitor General Taco Stein said later that the magistrate ruled there was enough evidence to hold Johnson for at least 10 more days pending further investigation. Prosecutors must return to court after that if they want to keep holding Johnson.

His lawyer says he denies killing the couple.

Police and prosecutors in St. Maarten have been in contact with the FBI, which offered assistance in the investigation.

"This offer was kindly accepted and both police and prosecution are now discussing with FBI where the help could be most effective," Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said in a statement Wednesday night. "It is likely that some investigation will have to be conducted in the USA."

Mos said police have conducted a door-to-door investigation at the Ocean Club Resort and reviewed video footage from surveillance cameras.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10508-judge-extended-johnsons-pre-trial-detention-police-were-ordered-to-cover-suspects-face.html

Judge Extended Johnson’s Pre-Trial Detention --- Police were Ordered to Cover Suspect’s face.
WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 14:53   

Philipsburg:--- The suspect that police arrested for the murders of Michael and Thelma King was arraigned on Wednesday morning shortly after 11am at the Court of First Instance.

Meyshane Kemar Johnson, was brought to the Court House by three detectives in a grey private car. He was clad in a short black pants, white Kooyman T-shirt, and black shoes. The T-shirt was pulled over his head to cover his face. The judge of instruction extended the pre-trial detention for seven more days, making it ten days since his arrest which is in conformity with the Dutch legal system.

During this period, the prosecution would have to bring more evidence to court that would link Johnson to the murder of the Kings and the Armed Robbery committed last week Wednesday evening at Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on Cannegieter Street. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday October 3nd, 2012 where the prosecution will request another eight days as they continue with the investigation.

 ::snipping2::


Updated press release issued by Public Prosecutor's Office concerning Cupe Coy Murder Case.

On Wednesday, 28 year old M.K.J. was led before the judge of instruction. The judge considered both the arrest and the prolongation of the custody as lawful. Custody will now last until October 3rd, 2012, when a new decision on pre-trial detention will have to be taken.

The suspect refrained from giving any statement to the judge and the police pertaining to the case.

After the first 10 days of custody, the prosecution will decide whether they will ask the judge for another extension of the suspect's pre-trial detention. This phase could last a maximum of another 106 days. However, a judge will have to decide on prolongation several times during that period of time. Only by the end of the pre-trial detention the prosecution will decide whether they will charge the suspect or release him, pending further investigation.

Police conducted a door-to-door investigation at the Ocean Club Resort where they questioned possible witnesses on Wednesday. In addition, over the past few days an extensive amount of video footage from surveillance cameras was secured which will be studied.

Police and prosecution have been in contact with the FBI who offered assistance in the investigation. This offer was kindly accepted and both Police and prosecution are now discussing with FBI where the help could be most effective. It is likely that some investigation will have to be conducted in the USA. This will be formally asked for.

The first information reached the Police through the police information lines. This information will be investigated.

In case of relevant information: please call 9300 (on Sint Maarten) or when abroad: call +1-721-542 0345

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10507-johnsons-aunt-says-police-jumped-to-conclusion-when-they-arrested-him-claims-police-brutality.html

Johnson's Aunt says Police Jumped to Conclusion when they Arrested Him --- Claims Police Brutality.
WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 14:15   

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/veronicayoung26092012.jpg)
Veronica Young, aunt of Meyshane Johnson at the Court of First Instance on Wednesday morning.

Philipsburg:--- Veronica Young, aunt of the suspect arrested for the murders of American citizens Michael and Thelma King said that the police on St. Maarten jumped to conclusions when they arrested her nephew Meyshane Kemar Johnson for the murder of the Kings. Young said heavily armed police officers visited her home on at least two occasions to look for Johnson but he was not at her house at the time.

The aggravated aunt said that police bypassed the person who found the dead bodies and signed a business contract with the Kings just two days prior to the killings. "People are speaking out on this and I don't condone or harbor criminals. The police said my nephew was a suspect in the Cannegieter Street robbery when they began looking for him." Young further explained that on the night of the robbery her nephew came to her in a hysterical state after police shot at the vehicle he was driving. She said she wanted to take Johnson to the police station that same moment but her nephew told her that he was not involved in any wrong doings. "If my nephew is involved in that robbery then he should be charged for that crime and do the time, but I don't agree with the police trying to pin two murders on him because I know he is innocent." When asked by SMN News if she believes her nephew was involved in the Chinese Restaurant Robbery, Young said she believes that he did it because he was the driver of the car and he is the one that removed the bullet from the vehicle prior to police finding it. Young further explained that police did not find anything in the car because the owner of the car who is operating his father's car rental in Cole Bay told the family that there was nothing in the car when police seized the vehicle. Besides that, the owner of the car collected $300.00 that same night from Johnson to repair the vehicle. "The owner of the car and my nephew have been friends for years and he would always lend his friends cars." The woman admitted that there was more than one person in the vehicle at the time of the robbery but she does not know who those persons are.

Johnson was deported but Returned to the Island Unnoticed.

 ::snipping2::

Aunt Accuses Police of Police Brutality --- Police beat him badly when they arrested him.

Veronica Young also accused the detectives that arrested Meyshane Kemar Johnson early Sunday morning of police brutality. She said that when police broke into the house where Johnson and his girlfriend were sleeping they brutalized him. "The police beat him so badly that they had to take him to the hospital for stitches and they also had him on drips at the Simpson Bay Police Outpost. His girlfriend told me that the police even slapped her and called her a bitch and they also arrested her when they arrested Meyshane Johnson."

http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/31910-judge-prolongs-detention-of-double-murder-suspect-.html

Judge prolongs detention of double-murder suspect

THURSDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2012 01:07

~ Local police, FBI cooperating on case ~

PHILIPSBURG--The investigating judge upheld on Wednesday the detention of M.J.K., the suspect in the murder of American nationals Michael and Thelma King.

 ::snipping2::

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said in a press release Wednesday that Judge C.T.M. Luijks considered M.J.K.'s arrest and prolongation of custody until October 3 lawful. A decision on further prolongation of his detention will be taken October 3.

"The suspect refrained from giving any statement to the judge and the police pertaining to the case," Mos said.

Mos also explained that after the first 10 days of custody, the prosecution will have to decide whether it will ask the judge for the suspect's pre-trial detention. This phase could last a maximum of another 106 days, but the judge will have to decide on prolongation several times during that period of time.

At the end of the pre-trial detention, the prosecution will decide whether M.J.K. will be charged or released pending further investigation.

Police conducted a door-to-door investigation at Ocean Club Resort on Wednesday, September 26, and questioned possible witnesses. An extensive amount of video footage from surveillance cameras has been secured and will be investigated by police and prosecution.

Police and prosecution also have been in contact with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which offered assistance in the investigation. "This offer was kindly accepted and both police and prosecution are now discussing with the FBI where the help could be most effective. It is likely that some investigation will have to be conducted in the US," Mos said.

The release also stated that information had reached police via the provided tip lines. The prosecution has not disclosed what kind of information was given, but will be investigating this tip.

The tip lines are still open and persons with information are urged to call 9300 locally and 1-721-542-0345 internationally, the press release concluded.

Michael King was a retired insurance executive who later started a company in Blythewood, South Carolina, that manufactured adhesive labels. Friends said he had been a self-made man who had started from humble beginnings and had become quite wealthy through his business acumen. Blythewood is near the state capital of Columbia.

Both Michael and Thelma grew up in the Columbia area and moved later to Mount Pleasant, a suburban community along the coast. They purchased a condominium in the Tolers Cove development near the Intracoastal Waterway in 2007 for more than US $970,000, according to Charleston County records.

The couple split their time between Mount Pleasant and their home in St. Maarten, friends said.

Their friend Terry Tamblyn of Isle of Palms said he was a partner in St. Maarten rental property with Michael King and that the couple had been on the island for vacation and business. Michael King was building a rum factory with long-time friend Topper Daboul on the island, with plans to export Topper's Gourmet Rhum Liqueurs to the United States, friends said.

M.J.K.'s attorney Brenda Brooks had said on Tuesday that her client was denying involvement in the murders. Brooks said her client also was denying that he had resisted arrest as alleged by authorities.

I don't know.

But I have wondered if it had anything to do with Mike King's current business dealings?

I've noticed this subject coming up a lot, so this is some of what I've read about the business Mike King was in with Topper Daboul and from my reading Prime Beverage Imports as well.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/caribbean/2012/09/25/sadness-dutch-caribbean-over-slain-couple/peVVADJ1WQ0rEhD8Gv4SlO/story.html

 ::snipping2::


https://www.facebook.com/toppersrhum/posts/438817282818792

Nina Walton
Are you selling your Rhum in the U.S. now?
Like ·  · June 26 at 6:13pm

Topper's Rhum Not yet, Fall 2012. what state do you live in?
June 26 at 6:17pm · Like

Marjory Bond Im in Texas.....and its almost Fall....
September 6 at 1:12pm · Like

Topper's Rhum I am flying to Texas, hopefully to work a deal in Novemeber with the local distributor. We will be looking at Texas in the second quarter of 2013. Until then, please talk to your local ABC stores and request our product. They can call Prime Beverage Imports, LLC for more information. Thank you for drinking great Rhum Marjory Bond. More to come! ~ Jeff
September 21 at 7:38am · Like

https://www.facebook.com/toppersrhum/posts/471291169571403

Topper's Rhum
September 19
Topper's Tip expanded: AHHHHH the sweet touch to my lips, searching my mouth, my tongue embracing your every ingrediant... I SOOOO LOVE MY TOPPER’S RUM!!
Like ·  · Share
4 people like this.

Nina Walton My supply is running low and I won't be back to SXM until April. When and where will you be selling in the states? I heard it would be this fall.
September 19 at 1:44pm via mobile · Like

Topper's Rhum Hey Nina, we are getting there. We will have a full update by Mid October! There was a slight problem with our bottle Manufacturer and the opening order, but is being corrected as we speak. We have moved into our new warehouse and our holding tanks are arriving tomorrow. So excited. Pictures coming soon. Thank you for your patience and thanks for drinking great Rhum!
September 20 at 9:51pm via mobile · Like · 2

https://www.facebook.com/toppersrhum

About
Topper's Gourmet Flavored Rhum Liqueurs
Description
A luxuriously smooth blend of the finest, all natural, gourmet island flavors. Each bottle is hand made with excellence in Sint Maarten

We have just signed a North American distribution agreement with Prime Beverage Imports, LLC. Please call Jeff LeVine for North American Distribution questions. His US office number is 803-802-8750 and can be reached @ Jeff@Primemanagementconsulting.com - Thank you

Please look foro ur brands in the US in early 2012, thank you.

ENJOY AS IS, WHERE IS, OVER ICE OR EVEN OVER ICE CREAM!

We started concocting flavored rhum liqueurs many years ago so that we could give a complimentary after dinner drink to our guests. Our customers loved our rhum and constantly we were asked if we could bottle some for them to take home as a memory of their time here.

We quickly went from fulfilling individual request for bottles to producing our own supply for the restaurants. We decided to go commercial in 2008 with our product and we are very proud to introduce our Topper's Gourmet Flavored Rhum Liqueurs to the world.

Our Rhum can be found predominately in our local supermarkets on both sides of the island, Le Grand Marche Markets, US Imports, The Market Garden, Last Stop Rum Shop at the airport, Gulmohars on Front Street, Kenny's on Old Street, on Random Wind, and of course Topper’s Restaurant & Bar and Topper’s by the Sea where you can still enjoy a complimentary drink.

What differentiates our product?
- The taste is amazing, just like our food we pride ourselves on the quality and flavor. Every detail and the customer's experience of the product is carefully considered and unprecedented.
- All natural ingredients.
-Distinctive gourmet flavors.
- Very attractive packaging using brightly colored square and round glass bottles with swing top closures, labels depicting island scenes that are beautifully designed with an opalescent water/uv proof finish and tamper proof shrink seals. The bottles are reusable as vases, decorative glass, oil & vinegar bottles, salt & pepper shakers and more.
- The rhum is handmade and each and every bottle is hand filled and packaged with precision right here in St. Maarten.
- We manufacture in St. Maarten, a Caribbean Basin Territory, allowing us the fortunate right as a beneficiary of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) which provides duty-free access to the United States market. Take all you want home!

We have just signed a North American distribution agreement with Prime Beverage Imports, LLC. Please call Jeff LeVine for North American Distribution questions. His US office number is 803-802-8750 and can be reached @ Jeff@Primemanagementconsulting.com - Thank you


http://www.toppersrhum.com/

(http://www.sxmrestaurant.com/toppersrhum/toppersrhum/About_Us_files/droppedImage.png)

We started making flavored rhum liqueurs for Topper’s Restaurants, based on my wife’s concoctions that she had been perfecting for more than 14 years, so that we could give a complimentary after dinner drink to our guests. Our customers loved our rhum and constantly asked if we could bottle some for them to take home as a memory of their time here in St. Maarten.
 
We quickly went from fulfilling individual request for our guests out of our kitchen to producing our own supply for the restaurants.
 
The taste is amazing; just like our food, we pride ourselves on the quality and flavor. Topper’s Rhum uses natural and characteristic flavors of the tropics blended with select Caribbean cane sugar rum to create a delicate and true to its flavor spirit with an undeniably smooth finish. We currently have six distinctive gourmet flavors that are truly unique to Topper’s Rhum and other flavors that we are developing.
 
We have chosen very attractive packaging using brightly colored glass bottles with swing top closures, labels depicting island scenes that are beautifully designed with an opalescent water/UV proof finish and tamper proof shrink seals. The bottles are reusable as vases, decorative glass, table lamps, oil & vinegar bottles, salt & pepper shakers and more.
 
Every detail and the customer's experience of the product are carefully considered and unprecedented. Our rhum is handmade and each and every bottle is hand filled and packaged with precision right here in St. Maarten.
 
We decided to launch our products commercially in 2008 and we are very proud to introduce our Topper's Gourmet Flavored Rhum Liqueurs to the world!
 
We have been talking to Jeff LeVine, owner of Prime Beverage Imports, LLC for a couple of years. Once he finally made it to our side of the world in February of 2011, we felt there was a lot of synergy between our two companies. Prime Beverage has been successful in getting our products FDA approved and is working diligently to bring it to the US market. We are currently looking at a launch in July of 2012.
 
Currently Our Rhum can be found predominately on the island in all local supermarkets, at the airport, on Front Street, charter boats, restaurants and of course our two restaurants, Topper’s Restaurant & Bar and Topper’s by the Sea. Next time you’re on the island, please come see us where you can enjoy complimentary samples.

We hope you will enjoy our Rhum’s as much as we do; after all, Time flies when your having Rhum!

Cheers,

Topper and Melanie
 
Topper’s Gourmet Rhum Liqueurs

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jeff-levine/11/6b/363

Jeff LeVine
CEO of Prime Beverage/Prime Management Consulting and Craft Beer Brand Specialist.
Fort Mill, South Carolina (Charlotte, North Carolina Area) Food & Beverages

CEO & President
Prime Beverage Imports, LLC
July 2011 – Present (1 year 3 months) Fort Mill, SC

Prime Beverage Imports, LLC is a subsidiary to Prime Management. Prime Beverage is the DBA for our new Alcohol Importing Company. Our flagship brand that we have the North American rights to is Topper's Rhum from St Maarten. Topper's will make its USA debut in January, 2013. We are very excited about this opportunity; Please see us at www.PrimeBev.com, thank you.

CEO
Prime Management Consulting
July 2011 – Present (1 year 3 months) United States

Prime Management Consulting was opened with the idea of educating distributors to build craft awareness to consumers. There are multiple consulting firms that devote their expertise to mergers, acquisitions, and financials. Prime Management is the only tactical consulting firm of its kind. We focus on education, plain and simple no matter what your volume. We have distributors from the big three calling us saying, “My reps know how to take an order, but can you please come show them how to sell craft beer?” We also have the small independent guy saying, “I have a truck, 10 brands and a driver, now what?” We can handle everything from Procurement and logistics to sales, cross merchandising and marketing. We customize packages for your needs. There are different value opportunities available at different investment needs. www.PrimeManagementConsulting.com Thank you.

Owner
Carolina Craft Distributing
Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Wine and Spirits industry
2007 – 2011 (4 years) Rock Hill, SC

Owner - Manage all aspects of business performance including sales force covering NC and SC; direct all aspects of business operations, logistics, and staff of 28. Manage customer base of 1400 active customers as well as relationships with 104 suppliers. Develop and manage $3.5M sales budget and long term strategic planning.
•   Business Management: Developed, implemented, and managed operational protocols for warehouse design, logistics, purchasing, and distribution of over 1100 SKU’s, resulting in 4 consecutive years of 18% revenue growth.
•   Procurement Analyst: Extensive planning, forecasting, negotiation and the coordination of delivery schedules Provided measurable targets such as fill rates, turn rates, backorder lines and dollars.
•   Outside Sales: Challenged with increasing sales revenue, developed dynamic sales management protocol focusing on monthly budgets with incentives, training, and performance expectations increasing sales revenue by 15% over the life of the company.
•   Off Premise Sales: Developed pricing and sales strategy for all off-premise sales channels, initiated contract approvals and managed relationships with executive level buyers, resulting in $1.2 M increase in revenue.
•   Target Marketing: Manage and coordinate relationships with suppliers increasing fine wine and craft beer portfolio, while consistently building brands and increasing depletions and market share.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.primebev.com/about-us.htm

http://smn-news.com/letters/10521-murders-of-americans-should-be-prosecuted-by-us-department-of-justice-and-fbi-to-avoid-another-natalie-holloway-miscarriage-of-justice-by-dutch-government.html

Letters to the editor 


Murders of Americans Should Be Prosecuted by U.S. Department of Justice and FBI to Avoid Another Natalie Holloway Miscarriage of Justice by Dutch Government.

WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 23:36    SMN-NEWS TEAM   

In the U.S. there is a violent crime such as murder, rape, etc. every day. There are approximately 365 million people in the US, including approximately 20 million people there illegally who also commit murders. In fact, this story has not been reported on the "main stream media" - I only saw it on CNN on the Internet.

What makes this murder so different from the murders that occur daily in the US is very simple to understand. The island makes 85% of its money from tourism, including cruise boat one-day visitors, tourists here for a couple of weeks, and Americans who have invested money in property and businesses on the island.

St. Martin has always had two faces. The French Gendarmes intentionally under-report crime. They openly discourage tourists from making crime reports. The Dutch side is no better. Create the image to tourists that the island is safe, and more money will arrive in local businesses and in tax receipts! Crime is bad for business. Let's pretend St. Martin is safe for everybody to get the tourist money? Is that what we want on our island?

I will pray for the entire King family. I will not jump to conclusions, although much of the information leaked to the press makes it sound as though they arrested at least one of the murderers. This senseless murder affects the family, friends, and every resident of St. Martin. The Kings were well known and liked by many here and at home, and their murder will not be forgotten.

The American FBI should be called in to investigate and make an arrest in the murder of two American citizens. The FBI has superior technology, does not have political influence of the island's politicians, and they have authority to investigate and prosecute world wide when American citizens are murdered. The accused should face American justice.

Dutch law in Aruba failed the family of Miss Natalie Holloway, and the Dutch murderer went on the kill again in Peru - on the 5th anniversary of Natalie's murder! The FBI should have handled that case, but were prevented by an ignorant Dutch Government.

I ask all residents of St. Martin to write and plead with the American Attorney General, Mr. Eric Holder, to order the FBI in. Letters can be sent to:

U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

C. F. Bordelon
Supporter of Better and Safer Life on St. Martin

I find it interesting police were ordered to cover the suspects face yet I've seen photos of bodies laying on the beach, drowning victims laying in boats and other places and they weren't covered.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10508-judge-extended-johnsons-pre-trial-detention-police-were-ordered-to-cover-suspects-face.html

Judge Extended Johnson’s Pre-Trial Detention --- Police were Ordered to Cover Suspect’s face.
WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 14:53   
 ::snipping2::
Meyshane Kemar Johnson, was brought to the Court House by three detectives in a grey private car. He was clad in a short black pants, white Kooyman T-shirt, and black shoes. The T-shirt was pulled over his head to cover his face. The judge of instruction extended the pre-trial detention for seven more days, making it ten days since his arrest which is in conformity with the Dutch legal system.
 ::snipping2::

https://www.facebook.com/The.Real.Paparazzi/posts/10152150300775581

Gromyko Wilson
2 hours ago via mobile

PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE

Public Prosecutor's Office Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten, September 27th 2012

PRESS RELEASE #7

Cupecoy case:

Police investigating and analyzing information Police are currently investigating all information that was gathered the past few days.

In order to get a good overview of all relevant information, analysts and detectives are running through all statements in combination with technical information such as information retrieved from telephones from the victims and the suspect who was apprehended.

Furthermore new witnesses were questioned today. This process may go on for a few more days since, based on statements of earlier witnesses, other names of possible witnesses come up. Besides that, a vast amount of video-footage has to be studied for all relevant details. Police retrieved camera footage from over 10 locations. This all has to be studied which is time consuming.

The prosecution is preparing requests for assistance to the US authorities.
Especially information on the background of the victims and from people close to the victims could be relevant for the investigation. This is where the help of the FBI could come in and would make these investigations go faster and smoother.

End of press release

Paparazzi BBM News

http://www.sxmislandtime.com/component/k2/item/20180-double-murder-suspect-heard-in-court-wednesday.html


Double murder suspect heard in court Wednesday
WRITTEN BY  STAFF REPORTER 26 SEPTEMBER 2012 PUBLISHED IN ISLAND NEWS

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The lone suspect (M.K.J.) in last Fridays double murder case, was brought before the Judge in the court of first instance on Wednesday morning.

 ::snipping2::

A small group of family members belonging to the lone suspect was very vocal outside of the court of first instance on Wednesday. One family member proclaimed the innocence of the murder suspect claiming that the police should place more attention on finding the real killer.

The court hearing of the murder suspect also attracted a large group of onlookers who jeered the suspect as he left the court house on Wednesday morning.

(http://www.sxmislandtime.com/images/DSC_5366.JPG)

(http://www.sxmislandtime.com/images/DSC_5409.JPG)

http://www.sxmislandtime.com/component/k2/item/20219-governor-holiday-pays-working-visit-to-public-prosecutors-office.html

Governor Holiday pays working visit to Public Prosecutor's Office
WRITTEN BY  DRS. PAUL MIDDELBERG 27 SEPTEMBER 2012 PUBLISHED IN TIMES 2

Harbour View – His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, paid a working visit to the Public Prosecutors Office on Thursday September 27, 2012.

The Governor, in a meeting with Attorney General, Dick Piar, Solicitor-General, Taco Stein, and Chief Prosecutor, Hans Mos and Staff has been updated on the challenges faced by, current state of affairs at and plans of the Public Prosecutors Office.

During the visit the Governor emphasized the importance of the Public Prosecutors Office for the enforcement of the law and commended the management and staff for their committed and invaluable service to the safety and security of the people of Sint Maarten.

(http://www.sxmislandtime.com/media/k2/items/cache/1f3c40a085db54e7cfd46f5f1425b89a_L.jpg)

https://www.facebook.com/The.Real.Paparazzi/posts/10152152366075581

Gromyko Wilson
21 hours ago via mobile
PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE

Public Prosecutor's Office Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten, September 28th 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Cupecoy case:
Police investigation ongoing

The police investigation into the Cupecoy case is ongoing. New witnesses are still reported. Family returns home together with the bodies of Michael and Thelma King.

Police have put all their efforts on investigating the information that they obtained last week. Based on that information prosecution and police will move forward.

As long as this process is ongoing no more press releases will be forwarded until after the weekend, unless new developments give reason to do so. Family members of the deceased Michael en Thelma King spoke again to the prosecution this morning before they returned back to the US.

With them they took the bodies of both victims who will be buried in USA.

End of press release

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=michael-and-thelma-king&pid=160176780

Michael and Thelma King
Obituary

Michael and Thelma King MT. PLEASANT - Michael W. and Thelma S. King, a unique and beautiful couple, died together in St. Maarten, Virgin Islands on September 21, 2012.

 ::snipping2::

Services for Michael and Thelma King will be conducted at 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at Chapin United Methodist Church by Rev. Jody Flowers and Rev. Paul Allen. Visitation will also be on Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall at Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Lexington Ave., Chapin, SC. Memorials are suggested to the Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, SC (thornwellhome.org ) and to Chapin United Methodist Church. The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of love and support that has been shared with them during this tragedy. They humbly request that you respect their privacy and allow them to be together as a family following the service and to resume your visits on the following day. Mike and Thelma's wishes for all were to live life each and every day to the fullest. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com . Whitaker Funeral Home of Chapin is assisting the family.

Published in The State on September 30, 2012

http://www.wistv.com/story/19703424/police-arrest-second-suspect-in-midlands-couples-slaying

Police arrest second suspect in Midlands couple's slaying

Posted: Oct 02, 2012 7:41 AM CDT
Updated: Oct 02, 2012 7:48 AM CDT

PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN (WCSC/AP) - Prosecutors announced on Monday that a second arrest has been made in the slaying of a Midlands couple found dead in their condominium on St. Maarten.

According to the St. Maarten's Public Prosecutor's Office, a 17 year old has been arrested in connection to the killing of Michael and Thelma King.

A press release from the prosecutor's office did not give the name of the suspect, but referred to the teen as a male and gave his initials as J.C.M.

Authorities say they managed to track the teen down and arrest him in the Cole Bay area. According to prosecutors, the teen was considered a suspect since last week. Investigators say that further arrests "cannot be excluded."

Authorities have already arrested Meyshane Johnson, a Jamaican security guard.

 ::snipping2::

The Kings' funeral is set for Wednesday at Chapin United Methodist Church.

(http://wistv.images.worldnow.com/images/19703424_BG3.jpg)
This is the home where the murders happened. (Source: Rion Spangler)

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10565-17-year-old-arrested-in-cupe-coy-murder-case.html

17 Year Old Arrested in Cupe Coy Murder Case.
MONDAY, 01 OCTOBER 2012 18:20

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/murder-jam.jpg)

hilipsburg:--- A 17 year old St. Maarten born young man of Jamaican descent was arrested on Monday afternoon as the second suspect in the Kings murder investigation. According to earlier information that was provided to SMN News, Meyshane Keymar Johnson did not act alone, he was assisted in the gruesome killings by a minor who was born on St. Maarten to Jamaican parents. SMN News has been reliably informed that the suspect was arrested somewhere in the Cole Bay area around 4:00pm.

 ::snipping2::

Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein confirmed that a second suspect was arrested on Monday afternoon in the Cole Bay area.

Press Statement from Public Prosecuter's Office Concerning Second Arrest in Cupe Coy Murder Case

Police arrested a second suspect in the Cupecoy case around 3:45pm on Monday. After an intensive search last weekend and today (Monday), police managed to track down 17 year old J.C.M. and arrested him on the street in the Cole Bay area.

J.C.M. was considered a suspect since last week. Further arrests cannot be excluded.

The other suspect in this case, 28 year old M.K.J., will be led before the judge of instruction on Wednesday October 3rd 2012, where the prosecution will ask the judge to order the suspect's pre-trial detention.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57525826-504083/st-maarten-murder-suspect-meyshane-johnson-admits-being-involved-in-s.c-couples-slaying-officials-say/

St. Maarten Murder: Suspect Meyshane Johnson admits being involved in S.C. couple's slaying, officials say

By Crimesider Staff Topics Daily Blotter

(CBS) PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Meyshane Johnson, a Jamaican security guard, told officers that he was involved in the slaying of a South Carolina couple in St. Maarten, officials in the Dutch Caribbean country said Wednesday.

Johnson, 28, was arrested two days after authorities found the bodies of Michael and Thelma King stabbed to death in their vacation home on Sept. 21.

Public Prosecutor Hans Mos said in a statement that Johnson admitted "being involved in the violent deaths" of the couple as well as the robbery of a restaurant. Mos did not provide additional details of the confession and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive in the couple's slaying.

"We have to work out in detail exactly what happened and who else is involved," said Solictor General Taco Stein. "The first suspect confessed to being involved in the murders, but we will not release any details because we need that information to remain confidential so we can work the case.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10583-meyshane-kemar-johnson-confesses-to-murdering-michael-and-thelma-king.html

Meyshane Kemar Johnson Confesses to Murdering Michael and Thelma King.
WEDNESDAY, 03 OCTOBER 2012 13:47   

Philipsburg:--- Jamaican born 28 year old Meyshane Kemar Johnson who was arrested in the early morning hours of September 23rd, 2012 admitted to police on Tuesday that he was involved in the brutal killings of American tourists Michael and Thelma King. Johnson also confessed to robbing the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on September 19th, 2012. 

::snipping2::

Johnson was led before the judge of instruction for the second time since his arrest on Wednesday. The judge of instruction extended Johnson's detention as police continue their investigation. Johnson clad himself in a white t-shirt and long black pants as he appeared before the judge of instruction. He was brought to court in a regular police vehicle and led to the courtroom calmly. Johnson is represented by Attorney at Law Brenda Brooks who instructed her client not to speak to police prior to him appearing before the judge of instruction last week Wednesday.

Police arrested a second suspect who happens to be Johnson's 17 year old cousin. He has been identified as Jeremiah Chevon Mills, a Dutch national of Jamaican descent. Mills is expected to appear before the judge of instruction on Thursday.

While KPSM has been working tirelessly to solve one of the most gruesome murders to have ever occurred on St. Maarten, Minister of Justice Roland Duncan is yet to congratulate St. Maarten's lawmen who have been working alone to bring the Kings' killers to justice. So far almost every Minister and even some Members of Parliament have embraced the Police for their hard work except the Minister of Justice who according to sources within his Ministry said that the police may have had the wrong men in custody. A source in the justice Ministry said that Minister of Justice Roland Duncan made the statement when Johnson's attorney told a reporter that Johnson claimed he was innocent and accused the police of police brutality.

Below is the press statement that was issued by the Public Prosecutor on Wednesday.

Cupecoy case: suspect M.K.J. admits involvement in the violent deaths of Michael and Thelma King and in the Happy Star robbery. Pre-trial detention ordered by judge.

On Tuesday, 28 year old suspect M.K.J. confessed being involved in the violent deaths of Michael and Thelma King. J. also admitted taking part in the robbery at the Happy Star restaurant on September 26, 2012. On Wednesday morning J. was led before the judge of instruction. The judge granted the prosecution's demand for his pre-trial detention for a first term of eight days.

The second suspect, 17 year old J.C.M., will have his custody prolonged by the prosecutor today. M. will be led before the judge of instruction tomorrow who will evaluate the prolongation of the detention.

In the interest of the investigation no further details will be divulged at this time.

Both suspects are under full restrictions. This means that the suspects and their lawyers only are allowed to have contact with one another about this case.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10565-17-year-old-arrested-in-cupe-coy-murder-case.html

Cousins in Custody for Cupe Coy Murders --- Second Suspect Was Recently Released from Prison. (UPDATED)
MONDAY, 01 OCTOBER 2012 18:20   

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/meyshanejohnsonandjeremiahmills02102012.jpg)
Meyshane Kemar Johnson and Jeremiah Chevon Mills.

Philipsburg:--- The two suspects police now have in custody for the gruesome murders of Michael and Thelma King are cousins. Meyshane Kemar Johnson (28), a Jamaican security guard who was residing on the island illegally was arrested on September 23rd at a friend's house in Cape Bay. On Monday afternoon, police also arrested Jeremiah Chevon Mills born on October 24th, 1994 on the island of St. Maarten.

Mills is the son of Veronica Young, a Jamaican national who naturalized and obtained the Dutch nationality. Her son Jeremiah Chevon Mills is also a Dutch national. The public prosecutor in a press release Monday evening said that police arrested a second murder suspect, J.C.M. in the Cole Bay area on Monday afternoon. However, they did not mention the nationality of the 17 year old they arrested, neither did they mention that a house search was conducted at the home of Veronica Young.

On September 29th, 2012, Veronica Young gave SMN News an exclusive interview where she accused police of holding the wrong person for the murders of the Kings. Young further stated that she was believes that her nephew Meyshane Kemar Johnson committed the robbery at the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on September 19th, 2012, but she could not understand how police managed to pin two murders on her nephew. She also mentioned that her son (Jeremiah Chevon Mills) was on probation and police had surrounded her house several times in search of her nephew. She said that she informed her son that the police was also looking for him. During the interview, Young also said that she does not harbor criminals yet she indicated that Johnson went to her the evening of the robbery and told her that police had fired shots at the car he was driving. She said he also told her that he paid the owner of the car $300 to repair the vehicle. Young further explained that her nephew is the one who removed the bullet from the vehicle that belonged to one of his friends whose father owns car rental company in Cole Bay.

Information on Jeremiah Chevon Mills.

Jeremiah Chevon Mills (17) was a student of the St. Maarten Academy (Academic) section for about two years. He was later transferred to the PSVE (Vocational Section) when his grades began dropping in the Academic section of the school. In October 2011, the management team of the St. Maarten Academy expelled Mills from the learning institution when he beat another student with a baseball bat. SMN News has been reliably informed that from the time Mills was expelled from school he turned his attention to crime. He was convicted sometime in June 2012 for an armed robbery that he committed at Global Wealth Trade located in the Yogesh Building. Mills was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 15 of which were suspended. Mills spent three months behind bars and he was recently released from prison. At the time of his arrest he was on three-years probation. SMN News also learnt that Veronica Young hired Attorney at Law Shaira Bommel, the same lawyer that represented him in the armed robbery case earlier this year, to represent her son in this murder case.

 ::snipping2::

Killings Seems to be a Hit and not Robbery.

SMN News learnt that the persons or persons that killed Michael and Thelma King were paid to do so since the two business entrepreneurs do not walk with monies and they had just closed a business deal with a local businessman on St. Maarten. Sources close to the investigation say that police did not properly analyze the modus operandi (MO) of the killings and while they may have the right suspects behind bars there are others that may have gotten away with murder. The sources further explained that while police have described the crime scene as brutal, the killers almost cut off the head of Thelma King. "The persons that attacked the Kings did not go there to rob, they went to kill. They tied Thelma King to a chair and slashed her neck from one end to the other. Michael on the other hand received several stab wounds about his belly." Attorney General of St. Maarten Taco Stein told SMN News early last week that the Kings died of severe blood loss. Stein said that he obtained that information from the pathologists that conducted the autopsies on the two victims. The Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor have refused to divulge the time of death of the victims claiming that it will jeopardize their investigation. However, friends of the Kings said they last heard from them the Tuesday before their bodies were found in their Cupe Coy condominium.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.abcnews4.com/story/19728876/mount-pleasant-couple-slain-in-st-maarten-laid-to-rest

Mount Pleasant couple slain in St. Maarten laid to rest

Posted: Oct 03, 2012 4:34 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 03, 2012 5:19 PM CDT

CHAPIN, S.C. (WCIV) -- Friends and family gathered Wednesday to remember a Mount Pleasant couple slain in their home on the Caribbean nation of St. Maarten.

Funeral services for Michael and Thelma King were scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at Chapin United Methodist Church in Chapin.

"From high school all the way up we would go camping together," said Donnie Briggs, a longtime friend of the Kings. "(At the) end of every year all the guys from high school would get together and we had a large time. They're going to be deeply missed."

The Kings had homes in Mount Pleasant and St. Maarten, and friends have said Michael King was planning on starting a rum business on the tiny Dutch territory. Their bodies were found stabbed to death last month inside their beachfront condominium.

"Our heavenly father was there during that time," said Paul Allen, pastor at United Methodist Church. "And what I would say is when something like this happens and family grieves over this that god does, too."

 ::snipping2::

http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/32116-cupecoy-murder-suspect-confesses-involvement-.html

CUPECOY MURDER SUSPECT CONFESSES INVOLVEMENT

THURSDAY, 04 OCTOBER 2012 00:44

~ Also admits involvement in Happy Star robbery ~

PHILIPSBURG--M.K.J., (28) a suspect in the murders of American couple Michael and Thelma King, has admitted his involvement in the murders and in the Happy Star robbery on September 26, a press release from Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said.

M.K.J. was led before the judge of instruction on Wednesday morning, October 3, and the judge granted the prosecution's demand for his pre-trial detention for eight days.

The second suspect, J.C.M. (17), will be led before the judge of instruction on Thursday, October 4, who will then evaluate the prolongation of his detention. J.C.M. is being represented by attorney Shaira Bommel, who declined comment on her client and the case.

"In the interest of the investigation no further details will be divulged at this time and both suspects are under full restrictions. This means that only the suspect and the lawyer are allowed to have contact with one another about this case," the press release stated.

 ::snipping2::

Funeral services for the late Kings were held in South Carolina on Wednesday, October 3, with about 500 people in attendance.

"They shared with others those things that they have been blessed with. They apparently cared for and loved each other very much," Chapin United Methodist Church (CUMC) Pastor Paul Allen said. Michael King's family attends CUMC. The pastor also said the funeral service was about celebrating the Kings' lives and comforting those who were mourning their deaths.

A good friend of the family gave the eulogy and the pastor said that in all his time serving God he never had seen an outpouring of support quite like this.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/05/world/americas/saint-maarten-couple-killed/index.html

Police arrest third suspect in St. Maarten killings
By the CNN Wire Staff
updated 5:46 PM EDT, Fri October 5, 2012

(CNN) -- Police arrested Friday a third suspect in connection with the stabbing deaths of an American couple on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, authorities said.

The 20-year-old, identified by his initials J.J.W., was arrested on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he had allegedly fled. The suspect was then extradited to St. Maarten, where he was arrested again upon his arrival, according to a statement from the St. Maarten Public Prosecutor's office.

He is expected to appear before a judge Monday.

Two other suspects are already in custody in connection with the deaths of Michael and Thelma King. Their bodies were discovered last month at their oceanfront residence in Cupecoy, a beach town on the southwest tip of the Dutch island nation.

The first suspect, a 28-year-old Jamaican-born man identified as M.K.J., has confessed to his involvement in the murders, according to the island's solicitor general, Taco Stein.

Investigators are now working to confirm the details of the suspect's statements and are gathering additional evidence to present in court, said Stein.

A second suspect in custody in the Kings' murders has been identified as a 17-year-old man with the initials of J.C.M.

 ::snipping2::

Investigators believe the murders took place during a robbery of the Kings, he said.

CNN's Gabriel Falcon contributed to this report.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10596-17-year-old-murder-suspect-acted-like-hardcore-criminal-as-he-entered-court-house-to-be-arraigned-known-as-a-bully-and-aggressor.html

17 year old Murder Suspect Acted like Hardcore Criminal as he Entered Court House to be Arraigned --- Known as a Bully and Aggressor.

THURSDAY, 04 OCTOBER 2012 15:41   

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/jeremiahmills04102012.jpg)
Jeremiah Chevon Mills sticking up his middle finger to reporters who were snapping pictures of him as he entered the Court of First Instance on Thursday.

Philipsburg:--- Jeremiah Chevon Mills (17), a former convicted robber, acted more like a hardcore criminal when he entered the Court of First Instance on Thursday to be arraigned as the second suspect in the brutal murder of Michaeal and Thelma King. Mills is also accused of being involved in an armed robbery which took place on the evening of September 19th, 2012 at the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant on Cannegieter Street. The judge of instruction extended the pre-trial detention of Mills, he will return to court next week Wednesday.

Clad in a red t-shirt, black pants, and red and black Nike sneakers with his hair plait in thick singles, Mills managed to stick up his middle finger to reporters as he was entering the court room in handcuffs. The young man who is a Dutch national was recently released from prison for an armed robbery he committed at the Global Wealth Trade Store in the Yogesh Building.

Even though Mills spent only three months behind bars, he showed no fear or remorse for the crimes he is being accused of. Mills is accused of being one of the suspects who brutally murdered Micheal and Thelma King somewhere between September 19th, 2012 and September 21st, 2012 when their bodies were found in their Cupe Coy condominium by their business partner.

Jeremiah Chevon Mills has a reputation of being a school bully. He was a student of the St. Maarten Academy (Academic and PSVE) and was expelled from the learning institution in October 2011 when he beat a student with a baseball bat. According to information provided to SMN News, Mills was a bully and fighter at the St. Maarten Academy (PSVE), he was also pushing drugs inside the school.

 ::snipping2::

When Mills appeared before the judge for his arraignment on Thursday not even his mother who hired Attorney at Law Shaira Bommel showed up to support her son.

 

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office Concerning Second Suspect in Cupecoy Murders.

On Thursday morning, 17 year old J.C. M., was led before the judge of instruction. The judge deemed his arrest and subsequent custody according to the rules of law. M. will stay in custody until October 10th 2012 when the prosecution will ask the judge to order his pre-trial detention.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=409401785780239&set=a.409401665780251.98302.128588073861613&type=1&src=https%3A%2F%2Fsphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ash3%2F556341_409401785780239_963893555_n.jpg&size=600%2C399

Second Suspect in Kings' Murder Case Arraigned on Thursday.

(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556341_409401785780239_963893555_n.jpg)

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20121005/PC16/121009516/third-suspect-in-custody-in-slayings-of-michael-and-thelma-king

Third suspect in custody in slayings of Michael and Thelma King
Staff report Posted: Friday, October 5, 2012 6:21 p.m.
UPDATED: Friday, October 5, 2012 6:25 p.m.

A third suspect in the Caribbean killings of Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant was apprehended Thursday after having fled to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, according to a news release Friday from the prosecutor’s office in St. Maarten.

The Kings, who were from the Columbia area but also owned a home at Toler’s Cover in Mount Pleasant, were found stabbed to death inside their beachfront condo at Cupecoy in the Dutch territory of St. Maarten on Sept. 21. They had last been seen and heard from on Sept. 19.
 
Police already had two men in custody and Wednesday, they determined that a third suspect, 20-year-old J.J.W., had left St. Maarten by airplane that afternoon for St. Thomas. Prosecutors asked for his provisional arrest in view of extradition. On Thursday, he was arrested by St. Thomas law enforcement officers.

Authorities think this third suspect was involved in the violent deaths of the Kings and the robbery at the Happy Star restaurant on Sept. 19.

The suspect, who waived his rights under American law, was extradited to St. Maarten today, where he was arrested upon arrival at the airport.

He was remanded into custody for two days, and prosecutors will prolong that over the weekend, according to the release. He will appear before a judge Monday, according to the release. The suspect’s house in the Cay Hill neighborhood was searched this afternoon.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10613-guyanese-national-arrested-as-third-suspect-in-cupe-coy-double-homicide-investigation.html

Guyanese National Arrested as Third Suspect in Cupe Coy Double Homicide Investigation.
FRIDAY, 05 OCTOBER 2012 18:13   

Philipsburg:--- Police on St. Maarten managed to track down a third suspect involved in the murders of American tourists Michael and Thelma King who were slaughtered in their Cupe Coy condominium sometime between September 19th and September 21st, 2012. According to Chief Prosecutor of St. Maarten Hans Mos, the suspect left St. Maarten on Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 to St. Thomas US Virgin Islands.

SMN News was able to identify the suspect as Jamal Jefferson Woolford (20). It should be noted that on Wednesday the first suspect that was arrested in the gruesome murder of the Kings and robbery of the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant confessed to being involved in the murder of the Kings and the robbery of Happy Star Chinese restaurant. It appears as though Woolford was following the news closely and as soon as it was published that the first suspect confessed he purchased a ticket to the St. Thomas US Virgin Islands in an effort to escape the long arms of the law, but police managed to contact their counterparts in the US Virgin Islands who quickly apprehended the suspect. Woolford waived his extradition rights based on US law and he was brought back to St. Maarten on Friday. He was immediately arrested at the Princess Juliana International Airport and will appear before the judge of instruction on Monday.

SMN News also learnt that police found the suspect's car by his girlfriend's house in South Reward. The vehicle had on an old French number plate 761 --- 971. Police also arrested the girlfriend known in the area of South Reward as "Winifred" whom they are currently questioning. According to information provided to SMN News, Jamal Jefferson Woolford lives in Cay Hill and works at Bobby's Marina, while his mother lives in Cape Bay where the other two murder suspects live. Jamal Jefferson Woolford is a close friend of Jeremiah Chevon Mills.

 

Press Release from Public Prosecutor's Office regarding Third Arrest in Cupecoy Murder Case.

On Wednesday, police found out that a third suspect in the Cupecoy investigation, 20 year old J.J.W., had left Sint Maarten by airplane that afternoon for St. Thomas. Prosecution asked for his provisional arrest in view of extradition. On Thursday, he was arrested by St. Thomas law enforcement officers.

The information police received revealed that this third suspect was involved in both the violent deaths of Michael and Thelma King and the robbery at the Happy Star restaurant in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten on September 19th 2012 (by mistake an earlier press release mentioned the date of September 26; this is: September 19). The suspect, who waived his rights under American law, was extradited to Sint Maarten on Friday, where he was arrested upon arrival at the airport.

W. was subsequently remanded in custody for two days, which term will be prolonged this weekend. He will be led before the judge of instruction on Monday.

A house search was performed at the suspect's residence in Cay Hill this afternoon.

Sint Maarten police and the Prosecutor's office have experienced excellent cooperation with American authorities.

http://www.whitakerfuneralhome.com/UserFiles/Tools/Obituaries/showObit.cfm?obitID=1826&keepThis=true

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10630-third-cupe-coy-murder-suspect-arraigned-on-monday-suspect-used-his-right-to-remain-silent.html

Third Cupe Coy Murder Suspect Arraigned on Monday --- Suspect used his Right to Remain Silent.
MONDAY, 08 OCTOBER 2012 13:26   

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2012/jamalwoolford08102012.jpg)
Jamal Jefferson Woolford leaving the Court of First Instance on Monday where he was arraigned as one of the three suspects in custody for the murder of the Kings.

Philipsburg:--- Guyanese national Jamal Jefferson Woolford (20), appeared before the judge of instruction on Monday clad in a white t-shirt with the number 20 written in front, an off black three quarter jeans pants, and red and black Nike slippers. Woolford is the third suspect police arrested in the brutal murder of American citizens Michael and Thelma King which occurred between September 19th to September 21st, 2012. He is also accused of being involved in the armed robbery of the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant that was robbed on September 19th, 2012 around 8:40pm.

SMN News learnt that Woolford used his right to remain silent when he appeared before the judge of instruction on Monday. Jamal Jefferson Woolford born on December 9th, 1991 in Guyana managed to escape from St. Maarten last week Wednesday when he booked a flight to St. Thomas US Virgin Islands where he was arrested upon arrival by the FBI. It should be noted that on Wednesday October 3rd, 2012 SMN News reported that the first suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson confessed to police that he was involved in the brutal murders of the Kings. It appears as thought Woolford was monitoring the news and when he saw Johnson confessed he tried to escape from the St. Maarten judicial system. SMN News learnt that when Woolford was arrested in the US Virgin Island he was informed that he could face the death penalty if the case is tried in the US territory. The source said at that point Woolford waived his rights to extradition and he was brought back to St. Maarten on Friday where he was immediately arrested.

Jamal Jefferson Woolford is a former student of the St. Maarten Academy (PSVE) he also received a government scholarship for the SBO marine program which he completed and was working for Eagle Tours located at Bobby's Marina.

 ::snipping2::

Woolford was living with his girlfriend identified as "Winifred" in an apartment in Cay Hill at the time of his arrest. He left St. Maarten on a Guyanese passport since he is the holder of a US 10 year visa.

 

Press release from the Public Prosecutor's office on the Arraignment of the Third suspect in the Cupe Coy Murder Case.

On Monday, 20 year old J.J.W. was led before the judge of instruction. The judge considered both the arrest and the prolongation of the custody as lawful. Custody will now last until October 15th, 2012, when a new decision on pre-trial detention will have to be taken.

The suspect is cooperating with the police and has made a statement.

The police is still analyzing all the information gathered in the course of investigation so far.

The different statements given by the three suspects in the case are being reviewed and verified.

All three suspects are still under restrictions regarding visiting rights and contacts.

In the interest of the investigation no further details can be released at present.

http://www.sxmislandtime.com/component/k2/item/20355-judge-rules-that-arrest-of-murder-suspect-jjw-was-lawful.html

Judge rules arrest of murder suspect J.J.W. lawful {UpDated}
WRITTEN BY  STAFF REPORTER
08 OCTOBER 2012 PUBLISHED IN TIMES 1

(http://www.sxmislandtime.com/media/k2/items/cache/7a42507efcc8e6a0fbea3db28bf1fc09_L.jpg)

 
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - The judge in the court of first instance ruled on Monday that the detention of twenty one (21) year old murder suspect J.J.W. was lawful.

J.J.W. is the third suspect in the Cupecoy murder investigation.

According to the office of the Public Prosecutor, J.J.W. is suspected to be involved with the violent deaths of Michael and Thelma King and the robbery at the Happy Star restaurant in Philipsburg on September 19th 2012.

J.J.W. resides in the district of Cayhill and although the prosecutor confirmed that his house was searched, no information on what was found was released.

J.J.W. had left the island for St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands where he was detained and sent back to St. Maarten.

The Prosecutors Office confirmed that the suspect was arrested on his return to the island.

Three suspects have now been arrested as suspects in this gruesome murder but up until this point no information on a possible motive has been released.

However Attorney General Taco Stein stated via PodCast that the track of "possible robbery" is still being worked on by the investigators.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10742-cupe-coy-murder-case-to-be-tried-in-january-2013-christmas-recess-plays-major-role.html

Cupe Coy Murder Case to be tried in January 2013 --- Christmas Recess plays major role.
SUNDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2012 18:24   

Philipsburg:--- The three suspects currently in custody for the murders of American citizens Michael and Thelma King should appear in court sometime January 2013. Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos told SMN News on Sunday that the suspects are cooperating with police and the police and prosecutor's office are busy analyzing the statements that were made by the suspects. Mos said that while the investigating team is working vigorously to tie up all the loose ends, the case cannot go to trial before the Christmas holidays. The last day of court for the year 2012 will be December 12th, 2012 while the January session should start between January 10th -12th, 2013.

St. Maarten's Chief Prosecutor said the Dutch law allows the police to detain a person for a period of 116 days before they are officially charged and taken before the court for trial. Mos declined to say if the suspects will be charged with premeditated murder or if the prosecution will go for a lesser charge like manslaughter. Mos also did not say if police had to strike a deal with the suspected killers to get their cooperation. When asked by SMN News if the investigators already determined if the motive for the killing was robbery, Mos said that the police are looking at all angles of the case and they have not ruled out any other possible motive.

Police arrested the first suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson (28) of Jamaica on September 21st, 2012. Johnson already admitted to police that he was directly involved in the brutal murders of the Kings. Johnson was a security guard at the time of the killings and his arrest. He worked at the Soualiga Service Point and the Scotia Bank for a reputable security company on St. Maarten. SMN News has been reliably informed that Johnson is the one who brutally took the lives of the Kings. A source close to the investigation said Johnson was working as security and bouncer for someone that was closely connected to the Kings but police has declined to say whether or not the illegal immigrant admitted to working for anyone that was connected to the Kings prior to his deportation. SMN News learnt that Jonhson's aunt, a naturalized Dutch national, is the one who brought him back to St. Maarten after he was deported from St. Maarten some years ago. The source said when Johnson applied for a job at the security company Veronica Young signed as one of his reference persons giving Johnson a good and clean bill. The other person that signed his application form was Pastor Mielchias Carbon. SMN News learnt that Johnson, a mechanic by trade, used to repair Pastor Carbon's car while he was a member of the church Carbon pastored.

One week after Johnson was captured as a suspect in the brutal murder, police managed to arrest his 17 year old cousin who was also at the scene of the crime. He has been identified as 17 year old Jeremiah Chevon Mills a former student of the St. Maarten Academy PSVE. Information gathered by SMN News shows that Mills was a school bully and one that threatened the lives of several teachers. He was expelled from the school last year October after beating another student with a baseball bat. Mills was also convicted for robbing the Global Wealth Trade store that is located at the Yogesh Building. He was convicted to 18 months for the armed robbery, 15 of which were suspended. At the time of his arrest for the murder of the Kings and robbery of Happy Star Chinese Restaurant he was on three years probation.

The third suspect in the murder of the Kings is 20 year old Guyanese national Jamal Jefferson Woolford. Woolford was also a student of the St. Maarten Academy PSVE and he was an employee of Eagle Tours located at Bobby's Marina. Woolford escaped from St. Maarten the same day the news broke that the first suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson confessed to being involved in the murders of the Kings. Woolford, the holder of an American visa, left St. Maarten for St. Thomas and he was apprehended when he landed there. He waived his extradition rights and returned to St. Maarten two days later where he was arrested and remains in pre-trial detention.

The three culprits will also be charged with the armed robbery of the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant located on Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg. Happy Star Chinese Restaurant was robbed on the night of September 19th, 2012 while the Kings bodies were found in their Cupe Coy condominium on September 21st, 2012.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10736-all-three-suspects-in-cupecoy-case-faced-with-prolongation-of-their-pre-trial-detention.html

All Three Suspects in Cupecoy Case Faced with Prolongation of their Pre-trial Detention.
FRIDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2012 22:23   

Philipsburg:--- On Thursday, the judge remanded the first suspect (28 year old M.K.J.) in the Cupe Coy murder investigation in the next phase of pre-trial detention for a term of 60 days. On Friday, the second term of 8 days of pre-trial detention were ordered on 17 year old J.C.M. Last Monday, 20 year old J.J.W. was led before the judge of instruction and faced his first 8-day term of pre-trial detention.

Although one of the suspects has admitted to being directly involved in the death of Michael and Thelma King and the two other suspects have admitted to their presence at the crime scene, police are still investigating all possible scenarios. Next to that police is focusing on all the details and loose ends that need to be investigated.

http://mountpleasant-sc.patch.com/articles/speculation-looms-in-st-maarten-slaying

Speculation Looms in St. Maarten Slaying
No motive yet in death of Mount Pleasant couple.
October 15, 2012

Speculation swirls on the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten where a Mount Pleasant couple was killed last month.

Authorities have released no official motive for the death, though three individuals have been arrested and charged with the slaying of Michael and Thelma King.

A Caribbean newspaper reported last week that the homicide was part of a murder-for-hire plot, according to Live5News. The claim is disputed by St. Maarten authorities.

The couple was found dead from an apparent stabbing on Sept. 21. The Kings split their time between Mount Pleasant and St. Maarten where they were apparenty building a rum distillery.

A reporter for the St. Martin News Network told WCBD-TV that the deaths have shocked the island, where violent crime is only common between suspected drug dealers and users.

The death of wealthy tourists shocks the community, because so much of St. Maarten's economy relies on visitors.

http://www.live5news.com/story/19800359/newspaper-mt-pleasant-couples-murder-was-murder-for-hire

Report: Mt. Pleasant couple's slaying was murder for hire

Posted: Oct 11, 2012 9:16 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 12, 2012 5:43 AM CDT
By Keke Collins - email

PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN (WCSC) -
A St. Maarten newspaper is reporting that the brutal murder of a Mount Pleasant couple might be a case of murder for hire.

Last month, Mike and Thelma King were found stabbed to death in their Caribbean vacation home. Since then, officials have said robbery was the motive for the murders.

But according to a local St. Maarten newspaper, SMN News, sources close to the case say the three suspects, who have been arrested in connection with the murders, were paid to kill the couple.

 ::snipping2::

Solicitor General Taco Stein said the theory of the murders being a hit is unfounded.

"Sources close to the case is not police officers," Stein said. "That's people who have been giving information to the police. This is a rumor going around. But as I said before, there is no corroboration at this point and time that that rumor had any value."

 ::snipping2::

According to Stein, nothing of value was taken from the King home during the murders. Stein says the oldest two suspects in the case have no criminal history up until this point.

Prosecutors are standing by their theory that the incident was a robbery.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49395171/ns/local_news-charleston_sc/t/investigation-abroad-searches-motive-mount-pleasant-couples-murder/

Investigation abroad searches for motive of Mount Pleasant couple's murder

St Maarten murder update (Added: October 12, 2012)
People on the island speculate about motive for murders (more)
 
By: HALEY HERNANDEZ | WCBD
Published: October 12, 2012

Some speculate a Mount Pleasant couple is victim to a hired homicide.

There are still many questions unanswered about the Mount Pleasant couple, Michael and Thelma King, murdered in Saint Maarten last month.

Officials said this was a robbery gone wrong, although there's nothing reported of what the killers stole.

"We know robbery was part of the motive, but was it the exact motive? We don't know yet," investigative reporter for the Saint Martin News Network, Bibi Hodge Shaw said.

News 2 spoke with Shaw, the owner of the Saint Martin News Network, on the phone Friday, she said people in the area are speculating that there's more to these deaths.

"We know they have three suspects in custody, they have all confessed to the involvement in the killings, but the details on whether they were paid to do it or not, that has not been released officially," Bibi Hodge Shaw said. "But of course people from the community feel that way."

The island's Solicitor General, Taco Stein, has gone on record saying this continues to shock their small community.

"It's a couple being invaded in their home and killed brutally, people are shocked by this," Stein said.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/10551-cupe-coy-murder-suspects-will-not-make-it-to-court-before-january-motive-so-far-indicates-robbery.html

Cupe Coy Murder Suspects will not Make it to Court before January --- Motive so far indicates Robbery.
TUESDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2012 03:47    SMN NEWS TEAM  User Rating:  / 0
(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/cupecoymurdersuspects12112012.jpg)
Cupe Coy murder suspects.

Philipsburg:--- The three suspects that were arrested in September 2012 for the brutal murders of Michael and Thelma King will be taken before the court for trial sometime in January 2013 confirmed Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos on Monday.

Mos said court sessions for this year close on December 12th and the file on the investigation is somewhat big, it is quite unlikely that the prosecution will finish the dossier before that date. The island's Chief Prosecutor also indicated that the police investigated all scenarios surrounding the case and they have concluded that the three suspects in custody are the only ones responsible for the murder of the Kings. Mos said so far police believe that the motive for the killing which took place before September 21st (when the bodies were found) was robbery. When asked by SMN News if the Kings were killed the day the bodies were found or if there are indications based on the preliminary autopsy report that the Kings were murdered before, Mos said that the Kings were killed before September 21st. The island's Chief Prosecutor did not give a timeline in which the murders took place but sources close to the investigation say that the Kings were slaughtered on September 19th, 2012, the same night the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant was robbed.

According to Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos, one of the suspects (Meyshane Kemar Johnson) confessed to being involved in the murder of the Kings while the other two suspects admitted to being at the scene of the crime when the brutal murders took place. Mos did not divulge much details on the ongoing investigation as he said he is not the one handling the investigation.

 ::snipping2::

Mos said on Monday that the prosecution already got indication from one of the attorney's representing one of the three suspects that (he/she) would not be on the island when the case is taken to court for the first time. Therefore, the case will be postponed when it is taken to court in January 2013.

LAST UPDATED ( TUESDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2012 04:25 )

How can be robbery if nothing of value was taken? 

Good question, I've wondered about that too.

The murders were very brutal, I think probably even more brutal than has been reported.  In their home, which was a condo...seems pretty bold too imo considering the likelihood of witnesses. 

How did they gain access...did they know them?  If not, why were they targeted?

I've read (a close friend said) that although they were wealthy, they didn't keep a lot of cash on hand.

It has been reported that a cellphone  and credit cards that were Michael King's were found in the car connected to the suspects.

As many of the locals are speculating, it just seems like there could be more than a robbery motive here imo.

http://www.amigoe.com/antillen/149347-moordzaak-kingom-eist-levenslang

Google translation:

Murder King OM requires lifelong         

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013 3:44 P.M.

PHILIPSBURG - The prosecution has demanded life against Meyshane Kemar J. for the murder of Thelma and Michael King on 19 September last year and for an armed robbery at a Chinese restaurant on the same day.

Against the 18-year-old co-defendant Jeremiah M. Chevon demands the OM 28 years jail. By Jamal Jeferson W. (21) claimed the OM 24 years jail.

Thelma and Michael King were murdered in their villa at the Ocean Club in Cupecoy, a few hours after the three offenders a Chinese restaurant in Philipsburg had raided. The suspects forced the dwelling from the beach and found Michael King asleep on the bank. Gunpoint and knives forced the robbers to tell him where his safe was. His wife Thelma who was sleeping in the bedroom, was forced to open the safe, the robbers then a check and a pouch with suspected jewelry concerns.

After the robbery went out of hand: the woman was taken downstairs and tied up, blindfolded and gagged on a chair, then Meyshane J. First Michael King's throats and then almost identical to his wife's life brought.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130409/PC16/130409261

Testimony: Suspects partied at St. Maarten brothel after slitting throats of Michael, Thelma King

Glenn Smith Posted: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 1:28 p.m.

(http://www.postandcourier.com/storyimage/CP/20130409/PC16/130409261/AR/0/AR-130409261.jpg&maxw=640&q=100)
Michael and Thelma King were found stabbed to death in their condo in St. Maartens in September 2012(Source:Facebook)

Maho Beach, ST. MAARTEN — Three suspects accused of robbing and killing Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant partied at an island brothel after slitting their victims’ throats, according to testimony this morning.

Thelma King, 57, and her husband, Michael, 53, were found stabbed to death in their beachfront condominium on Sept. 21, the victims of an apparent robbery gone bad.

Today, the three men accused of killing the couple are standing trial in a small court in nearby Philipsburg. Meyshane Kemar Johnson, 28; Jeremiah Chevon Mills, 17; and Jamal Jefferson Woolford, 20, face the possibility of life in prison if convicted.

According to evidence presented in court today, the three men got together earlier in the evening and engaged in drinking while riding around in a borrowed car. At some point, they drove to the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant and robbed the business at gun point. Police shot at the suspects as they piled into the getaway car and drove off. They then switched license plates and drove around the island, eventually ending up at the Ocean Club Villas in the Cupecoy section in the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

Mills told the judge that they approached the King’s beach house after spotting a light on there. They saw Michael King sleeping on a chair inside and they headed into the home.

They woke Michael King up and demanded cash while Johnson reportedly held him at knife point in a choke hold. The other two men went upstairs and woke up Thelma King and forced her to open the safe.

The two men then marched Thelma King downstairs, tied her to a chair and blindfolded and gagged her. From there, the stories become unclear. The judge said Johnson told police that he stabbed Michael King and slit his throat after he made a move to come to his wife’s aid. The judge, however, said evidence does not support that account.

Johnson repeatedly insisted that despite the detailed statement that he provided to police, he now has no memory of the episode. He said he has memory loss at times due to drinking.

Mills and Woolford don’t deny being in the house during the robbery but insist they were not there when the Kings were killed.

After the killings, the trio went to a brothel, had more drinks, and paid for women’s services. They could not recall if they did so with money from the King’s home or the restaurant robbery.

Mills said they came away from the house with a stack of $100 bills from the safe and a package of drugs he later sold for a couple thousand dollars. Testimony indicated there was cocaine in the safe but forensic tests could find no traces of drugs in the safe and investigators found no proof there were any drugs in the house.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130410/PC16/130419904/1165/defendants-apologize-to-families-of-michael-thelma-king-as-st-maarten-testimony-ends

Defendants apologize to families of Michael, Thelma King as St. Maarten testimony ends

Glenn Smith Posted: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 1:45 p.m.

(http://www.postandcourier.com/storyimage/CP/20130410/PC16/130419904/AR/0/AR-130419904.jpg&maxw=640&q=100)
Mike and Thelma King (left); Meyshane Kemar Johnson.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten — Testimony ended today in the trial of three men accused of killing Mount Pleasant residents Mike and Thelma King with the suspects offering apologies to the victims’ families.

But Meyshane Kemar Johnson, 28, the man of accused of slitting the couples’ throats continued to insist that he has no recollection of the night of Sept. 19 when the Kings were killed.

Johnson, who faces a possible life prison sentence, said he also hopes he can return to society at some point.

“Realistically, I can’t see myself doing a lifetime in jail for something I can’t even remember,” he said.

Johnson and his two co-defendants, Jeremiah Chevon Mills, 17, and Jamal Jefferson Woolford, 20, are accused of entering the Kings beachfront villa to rob them after committing a hold-up at another restaurant earlier the same evening.

While Johnson held Michael King at knifepoint, Mills and Woolford tied Thelma King to a chair and gagged and blindfolded her. Johnson reportedly slit Michael King’s throat and then killed King’s wife while she was still bound and gagged.

The judge said she would formally close the case on May 8. That is when she will render a verdict and impose sentencing.

Mills told the family he was sorry for what happened and he would have stepped in to intervene if he had known Johnson intended to harm the couple.

“It was not my intention,” Mills said. “I never planned for anybody to get killed.”

Woolford expressed similar sentiments and says he hopes someday to return to society and better himself.

Prosecutors have recommended 24 years in prison for Woolford and 28 years for Mills.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/11788-michael-and-thelma-king-murder-trial-to-begin-tuesday-relatives-of-the-victims-already-on-st-maarten-to-witness-the-two-day-trial.html

Michael and Thelma King Murder Trial to Begin Tuesday --- Relatives of the Victims already on St. Maarten to witness the two day trial.
MONDAY, 08 APRIL 2013 22:34    SMN NEWS TEAM 

Philipsburg:--- The three suspects that were arrested early October 2012 for the brutal slayings of American citizens Michael and Thelma King who were brutally murdered in their Cupe Coy condominium on September 19th, 2012 will be having their day in the Court of First Instance on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 9th and 10th, 2013).

Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos confirmed that there are about 20 relatives of the Kings who are already on the island to witness the two day proceedings. Charged with the brutal slaying of the Kings is Meyshane Kemar Johnson (29), a national of Jamaica who was residing and working on the island illegally. Johnson already confessed to police while in pre-trail detention that he stabbed the Kings to death while attempting to rob their home. The second suspect is a Dutch national of Jamaican parentage Jeremiah Chevon Mills (17), while the third suspect is Guyanese national Jamal Jefferson Woolford (20). Woolford was arrested by the FBI in St. Thomas when he tried to escape from St. Maarten. The three suspects are also charged with robbing the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant located on Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg.

Police managed to track down the Kings' killers because they shot at the vehicle the three suspects used to rob Happy Star Chinese Restaurant before they slaughtered the Kings. When Police recovered the vehicle they shot at they found credit cards and a cellular phone belonging to the Kings. However, the bodies of the Kings were found two days later on September 21st, 2012 when their friend and business partner could not reach them by phone.

While the official trial starts on Tuesday, this is not the first time the suspects have appeared in the Court of First Instance. The main suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson appeared several times and even before the Appeals Court fighting for his freedom because the Prosecutor's Office made several blunders when they served him with at least three summons to appear in front of the judge in the pro-forma hearing.

The suspects also attended a closed door session when Police and the judge in the case conducted a re-enactment of the killings at the home of the Kings.

While the Prosecution has already dotted the I's and crossed the T's on the case they intend to bring before the court on Tuesday, Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos said that his office still had to take a decision on what amount of time they will ask the court to impose on the three suspects. Mos said that decision will be taken on Monday afternoon. Mos further stated that the death penalty has not yet been ruled out.

LAST UPDATED ( TUESDAY, 09 APRIL 2013 01:07 )
 

Video at the link

http://www.abcnews4.com/story/21914399/murder-trial-of-michael-and-thelma-king-to-start-tuesday

Murder trial of Michael and Thelma King to start Tuesday

Posted: Apr 08, 2013 9:51 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 08, 2013 10:39 PM CDT

By Valencia Wicker
vwicker@abcnews4.com

ST. MAARTEN (WCIV) – The murder trial of 3 men accused of stabbing to death a Mount Pleasant couple is set to begin Tuesday.

September of 2012, Michael and Thelma King were found dead in their beach front home in St. Maarten, an island in the Caribbean.

"This shouldn't happen to anyone let alone to a nice couple like the Kings," said Taco Stein, Solicitor General in St. Maarten.

Stein called the crime scene horrific. It took investigators several weeks to find the 3 men they say are responsible, and even longer to piece together how the crime took place.

"One of them started out making statements but, later on in the investigation he decided not to answer any questions," said  Stein. "So, we had to literally piece together the evidence from the crime scene based on the partial statements they made we did a re-enactment."

Stein says after a confession from one of the suspects, investigators were able to re-constructed the crime scene.

"We do have more than enough in this case but, it is not an easy conviction. These cases are never easy of course," Stein said.

Stein says the St. Maarten court system is different than in the States. He says the case will not be heard by jury, but only by a judge and investigators.

"The whole investigation is heard in court by the people who've actually done the investigation. They question them and in our case the whole investigation has been written down in formal reports and affidavits and so on and so on," Stein said. "We'd done it before hand throw reports to the defense so that they can study it and that report will be discussed in court."

Stein says the suspects face up to life in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for May.

http://www.wistv.com/story/21935678/defense-rests-case-in-st-maarten-murder-trial

Defense rests case in St. Maarten murder trial

Posted: Apr 10, 2013 4:00 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 10, 2013 4:00 PM CDT
By Keke Collins - email
 
(http://wcsc.images.worldnow.com/images/21935678_BG1.jpg)
Suspects walking into court on Tuesday. (Source: Judith Roumou/YouTube)

ST. MAARTEN (WCSC) -
The defense has rested its case in the trial of three men accused of murdering Mike and Thelma King, a South Carolina couple who had a home on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

The suspects, 20-year-old Jamal Jefferson Woolford, 28-year-old Meyshane Johnson and 17-year-old Jeremiah Mills will be brought back to court on May 8. They will also be sentenced on that date.

During the trial on Wednesday, all three men apologized to the King family for their actions as the trial wrapped up, but the defense spent a large part of the morning presenting its side of the case.

Johnson's attorney claimed there were procedural errors made by prosecutor when they summoned her client in January.  Prosecutors admitted to an issue with a court summons, but said the law provides a remedy for such mistakes.

Johnson's attorney asked that he be charged with manslaughter instead of  murder and also requested a lighter sentence than life in prison, which was suggested by prosecutors in court Tuesday.

Woolford's attorney painted a picture of a young man financially strapped trying to support a pregnant girlfriend. She said Woolford does not deny he was in the Kings' home September 19 where he robbed them and tied up Thelma King.  However, Woolford said it was Johnson who killed the couple.

Attorneys for all three men said the murders were not planned.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130408/PC16/130409349/1268/family-friends-of-mount-pleasant-couple-in-st-maarten-for-murder-trial&source=RSS

Family, friends of Mount Pleasant couple in St. Maarten for murder trial

Glenn Smith Posted: Monday, April 8, 2013 11:39 a.m.
UPDATED: Monday, April 8, 2013 11:57 a.m.

Maho Beach, ST. MAARTEN – A light breeze rustled the thatch roof outside the Driftwood Boat Bar as a group of Americans gathered to remember a Mount Pleasant couple who loved to come to this spot before tragedy struck in September.

Teal waves lapped at the white sands just a few yards from the bar, built in the belly of an old fishing boat, as arriving planes roared overhead, descending into the island airport across the narrow road. Down the street, brave beachgoers lined up along a chain link fence to see who could keep from getting blown off by the powerful exhaust of departing planes.

(http://www.postandcourier.com/storyimage/CP/20130408/PC16/130409349/EP/1/1/EP-130409349.jpg&MaxH=120)
Sign outside the Driftwood Boat Bar. (Glenn Smith/staff)

(http://www.postandcourier.com/storyimage/CP/20130408/PC16/130409349/EP/1/2/EP-130409349.jpg&MaxH=120)
Malena Osorio, bartender at the Driftwood Boat Bar, one of the recipients of Mike and Thelma King's generosity. When they learned her car had broken in half, they came up with the money to buy her a new one. (Glenn Smith/staff)

 ::snipping2::

On Tuesday, three men accused of killing the couple are scheduled to stand trial in the nearby city of Philipsburg for the murders. They are accused of fatally stabbing the Kings during a robbery at their beachfront condo, just down the road from the Driftwood bar in Cupecoy.

Some 20 friends and relatives are on the island to attend the proceeding, which will be conducted under Dutch law. The trial is expected to last two days or less. The suspects face the possibility of life in prison if convicted.

The deaths struck a deep chord on the island. St. Maarten has its share of crime, but tourist killings are uncommon here. And the Kings, part-time residents who had invested in rental property and a rum factory, were well-known for their kindness and generosity.

Consider the story of Malena Osorio, a Colombian-born bartender at the boat bar who got to know the Kings about five years ago.

She recalled the time her car, an old Hyundai, literally broke in half when it hit a curb while she was out buying juice for the bar. When the Kings heard about her plight, they went out and bought her new, cherry red Hyundai so she could get to work and keep her job.

“I started crying,” she said, shaking her head. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought to myself ‘I’ve got real friends here.’”

Vicki Cline, a Myrtle Beach resident who lives part-time on the island, tells a similar story. Mike King approached her day one curious about why she gave the Haitian-born cook at her restaurant a ride home every night. Cline explained that the woman had no money for a refrigerator, so Cline would buy her a hot meal nightly on the ride home to make sure she had something fresh to eat.

King pulled two $100 bills out of his pocket and told Cline to buy the woman a refrigerator so she would have an easier life.

“That’s just the kind of people Mike and Thelma were,” Cline said. “They were just giving, loving people to everyone.”

Some islanders think the Kings’ slayings have had a chilling effect on visitors, and some of their mainland friends acknowledge they had mixed feelings about returning to St. Maarten.

The Kings’ relatives, however, have made a point of coming back.

Michael King’s brother, Todd, has been here at least once a month since the killings. That’s partly because the family wanted to keep close tabs on the case and show island authorities they were committed to getting justice. But they also wanted to show they had not lost faith in the island Mike and Thelma held so dear.

“Mike and Thelma loved this island,” Michael King’s brother, Finley, said. “The last thing they would want is for the people of St. Maarten to suffer.”

If anything, the outpouring of support from islanders, from the prime minister on down, has reinforced their faith in St. Maarten.

If the family stayed away, Todd King said, then his brother’s killers will have won, on some level. They are not about to let that happen. He compares the situation to a tug-of-war battle, and his family has no intention of ceding ground to fear.

“They did all the damage they are going to do that night,” he said. “From now on, it’s about pulling the rope back to this side.”

 ::snipping2::

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130407/PC16/130409444/1268/murdered-mount-pleasant-couple-x2019-s-family-seeks-justice-in-trial-starting-tuesday-on-st-maarten&source=RSS

Mount Pleasant family seeks justice in St. Maarten
Glenn Smith Posted: Sunday, April 7, 2013 12:01 a.m.

Finley King of Mount Pleasant will hop a plane today to join other members of his family on the sun-splashed island of St. Maarten.

Unlike other travelers this time of year, the Kings aren’t visiting the island for spring break, white sandy beaches or the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean.

Six months ago, their relatives, Michael and Thelma King of Mount Pleasant, were found stabbed to death in their beach-front condo in what police say was a robbery gone bad.

On Tuesday, the three men charged in the killings will stand trial in what is expected to be a closely watched affair in the tiny Dutch territory. The grisly murders sparked heated debate about crime in St. Maarten as ripples of grief stretched from the island to South Carolina.

If convicted, the trio faces the possibility of life in prison, Solicitor General Taco Stein said. St. Maarten does not have the death penalty.

The Kings’ relatives have been on hand for each of the suspects’ court appearances, and some 20 friends and family members are gathering for the trial. They’ve felt a need to make their presence known, to reflect their concern and loss, even though they’ve been unable to understand much of the court dialogue, which has been in Dutch.

Prosecutors outlined their case for the family and worked to educate them in the intricacies of the Dutch legal system, which is quite different from our own. And islanders, from the prime minister on down, have gone out of their way to show them kindness and support.

“It’s been a lot, dealing with not only their deaths but the legal proceedings as well,” said Finley King, Michael’s younger brother. “But (the authorities) have done a real good job of coaching us in how the law works and how the proceedings work.”

His brother, Todd King of Columbia, agreed. “From Day 1, they have done a fantastic job educating us and telling us what to expect.”

No jury involved

All three suspects will be tried at once, and the proceeding is expected to last up to two days. The entire proceeding will be conducted in Dutch, but an English interpreter will be on hand to translate.

Under the Dutch system, the case will be presented to a judge who will render a verdict at later date, likely in early May. No jury is involved and witnesses are few, with much of the proceeding revolving around written statements and evidence investigators have amassed, Stein said.

“It is a little bit different than the trials you see in the United States,” he said.

While closely following the case, the family also banded together to see that Mike’s and Thelma’s dream of opening a rum factory came to fruition. The couple had invested in the rum business of close island friends Topper and Melanie Daboul, and together they planned to produce and sell Topper’s Rhum beyond St., Maarten,

With help from the Kings’ family, the first shipment of the flavored rum arrived in South Carolina in January, and plans for nationwide distribution are underway.

Columbia natives

For the couple’s relatives, the endeavor was rather therapeutic, allowing them to work together as a family and focus on something positive, Finley King said.

His brother, Todd, said the work has brought them great satisfaction. “It’s like carrying the torch for them and carrying their dreams and wishes forward.”

 ::snipping2::

Rumors and speculation swirled around the crime, with some reports suggesting that the Kings were slain in a murder-for-hire plot or in connection with their rum business.

Prosecutors dismissed the reports as ludicrous, and they maintain that the evidence indicates the slayings stemmed from a robbery.

“That is still our assumption,” Stein said. “I haven’t heard any other motive mentioned.”

Authorities said they found Michael King’s credit cards and cellphone inside a getaway car used in the robbery of an island Chinese restaurant, to which the three suspects also have been tied.

Johnson has confessed to his role in the killings, and the other suspects have also provided statements, authorities have said.

Different system

The trial was initially scheduled for Jan. 22 but was postponed so psychiatric evaluations of the suspects could be conducted.

Still, the case is going to trial much more quickly than it would at home, where murder cases can take two or three years to reach the docket.

The anticipated one- or two-day duration also stands in stark contrast to many U.S. murder trials, including the current Jodi Arias trial in Arizona, which has now dragged on for more than 40 days.

Another interesting facet of the Dutch legal system was a gathering last month in which the three suspects participated in a re-enactment of the killings at the scene of the crime.

The proceeding, which was closed to the public, was attended by defense attorneys, prosecutors, police and the judge.

It reportedly took place under heavy security, with a SWAT team and the island coast guard close by.

Such reconstructions are held so that authorities can corroborate the information offered by suspects and gauge the veracity of their accounts, Stein said. “We look to see whether their statements corroborate each other,” he said.

Todd King said the prosecution went to a lot of time and expense conducting the reconstruction, as well as thoroughly investigating the case.

“They were making sure they did this right,” he said, “and we saw that as very favorable.”

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130410/PC16/130419962/1268/testimony-suspects-partied-at-st-maarten-brothel-after-slitting-throats-of-michael-thelma-king&source=RSS

Testimony: Suspects partied at St. Maarten brothel after slitting throats of Michael, Thelma King
Glenn Smith Posted: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 12:01 a.m.
UPDATED: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 1:45 p.m.

Philipsburg, ST. MAARTEN — Michael King soundly slept in a chair in front of the flickering television as three young men, buzzed on liquor and a night of violence, climbed onto the balcony of his beach house in search of easy money.

They had spotted lights on at his villa and open shutters, indicating that the place was occupied and potential prey lay inside. They quietly crept inside through an unlocked door.

The 53-year-old Mount Pleasant man didn’t realize they were there until they tapped his face with a pistol and demanded cash.

In the minutes that followed, the retired insurance executive’s world imploded in a burst of gruesome and unnecessary violence. When it was over, he and his wife Thelma, who the men bound, gagged and blindfolded, lay dead in a pool of blood, their throats slit and their money gone, island prosecutors said.

Their pockets stuffed with cash, the men then headed for an island brothel, where they blew some of their illegal proceeds on booze and prostitutes, authorities said.

The three men charged in the killings — Meyshane Kemar Johnson, 28; Jeremiah Chevon Mills, 17; and Jamal Jefferson Woolford, 20 — appeared Tuesday in a cramped, historic courtroom in this tourist-friendly city. They are each charged with six offenses related to the robbery and slayings of the Kings and a Chinese restaurant holdup earlier that same September evening.

Prosecutors have recommended life in prison for Johnson, accused of savaging the Kings with a pair of knives. They recommend 28 years for Mills and 24 for Woolford, who reportedly participated to a lesser degree in the actual killings.

The proceeding, expected to conclude today, is much different than trials in the United States. Much of the first half of the day consisted of Judge Tamara Tijhuis questioning the suspects about their actions and roles in the events of Sept. 19.

Each gave damning statements to police about their actions, and each admitted Tuesday to various criminal acts. But their stories have changed with time, and Johnson, who initially divulged all sorts of detailed depravities, now contends that he can’t remember a thing about that night.

“I said to myself ‘Is this possible?’ But I just don’t see myself that way,” he told the court. “Why would I kill somebody I didn’t know?”

Later, prosecutors recounted details of the suspects’ troubled lives and offered their take on what occurred, based on confessions, witness statements, video, autopsy files, phone records and various other evidence.

“Mike and Thelma King were slaughtered because three young men decided they needed easy money,” prosecutor Dounia Benammar told the judge.

Violent night

According to the prosecution, things played out this way:

Johnson, a short and wiry Jamaican living in the country illegally, picked up Mills, his cousin, in a borrowed Hyundai with tinted windows and a pin-up girl sticker on the rear window. They grabbed Mills’ friend Woolford as well, and as they drove around drinking, Mills suggested they commit a robbery to get some cash.

The settled on the Happy Star Chinese restaurant. While Johnson sat in the getaway car with the engine running, Mills and Woolford dashed inside with pellet guns, scared the clientele and took off with handfuls of cash.

Police spotted them as they tried to make their getaway and blasted several rounds at the car, with one lodging in the trunk. The robbers brushed off the close call and raced off in search of more action.

They switched license plates and drove around, winding around the French side of the island until they landed back in the Dutch territory. They headed into the Cupecoy area, where Johnson parked the car at Ocean Club Villas.

They walked down to the beach and spotted the lights on in the Kings’ beachfront home. They then headed there with robbery on their minds.

They roughed up Mike King some to get him to divulge where his money was. He told them he kept some cash in an upstairs safe in the bedroom where his wife was sleeping. Johnson held Mike King in a choke hold, with a knife pressed to his neck, while Mills and Woolford snuck upstairs.

They caught Thelma King unaware as well, scaring her so much she had trouble opening the safe on the first couple of tries.

Mills said he promised Thelma King they wouldn’t hurt her. It wouldn’t take long to break that promise.

After Mills and Woolford marched her downstairs, they tore up a towel and used the strips to tie her to a chair. They put a gag in her mouth and blindfolded her.

About this point their stories start to differ, prosecutors said.

Johnson told police he cut Mike King’s throat almost by accident when King suddenly moved in an attempt to help his wife. He explained that he then stabbed him again because King was suffering.

He told police he slit Thelma King’s throat as well because he thought she would be in too much pain losing her husband.

Prosecutors said the severity of Michael King’s initial wound doesn’t support Johnson’s story. It was a deep cut, not a glancing blow. Johnson then stabbed King in the back with so much force that the tip of the knife broke off. He had one of his accomplices — most likely Mills — hand him another knife, which Johnson used to stab King in the neck several more times, severing a key artery, prosecutors said.

Prosecutor Georges van den Eshof said Johnson then turned on Thelma, whom he described as “a completely harmless and helpless victim.” An autopsy showed her throat was cut twice, so deeply it severed her windpipe and scarred vertebrae on the other side, he said.

Mills and Woolford insist they were outside when the killings occurred. While Johnson appeared to have been alone in the house when Thelma King was killed, all indications are that the other two men were around for Mike King’s stabbing and could have intervened to save his wife, prosecutors said.

They left after the violence, and Johnson told police he tossed the second knife into the ocean and washed his bloody hands in the surf. After using whiskey to finish the cleanup, they went in search of prostitutes and liquor, though none of the three was sure which robbery loot financed this excursion.

Mills also maintained that he wasn’t there — “I don’t know nothing about a murder” — and he continued to push a story that he and his friends stole a brick of cocaine from the Kings’ safe along with a stack of $100 bills. Prosecutors and the judge said the assertion appeared baseless and that forensic tests showed no trace of drugs in the safe.

Family’s question

The Kings’ relatives and friends packed the small courtroom and sat quietly, some sniffing back tears, as the horrific evening was recounted again and again.

Prosecutors and the judge quoted a heartfelt statement the family provided to the court. They said they and the family had one burning question: Why didn’t the suspects just leave after getting the cash instead of killing the couple?

The suspects offered no firm answers to that question during the more than six-hour proceeding.

Again and again, Johnson kept claiming memory loss and Mills kept insisting, “There was no plan. There was never a plan. It just happened.”

Defense attorneys will get a chance to argue their positions when the trial resumes this morning.

The judge is expected to render a verdict and impose sentencing in early May.

 ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyWaa:: ::MonkeyTears::

Some of the articles mention a "pistol", this one says it was a knife.

http://www.live5news.com/story/21921597/couples-murder-trial-begins-in-st-maarten

Defense to present its side in murdered couple's case in St. Maarten

Posted: Apr 09, 2013 1:00 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 10, 2013 2:30 PM CDT
By Keke Collins - email

ST. MAARTEN (WCSC) -
The trial of three men accused of murdering and robbing a South Carolina couple in St. Maarten will continue on Wednesday when the defense will present its side of the case.

The first day of the trial began a little after 9 a.m., two hours after family and friends of Mike and Thelma King started waiting outside, to make sure they got a seat.

"I was hoping to get justice...what these guys deserve," said Finley King, Mike King's brother."The max sentence obviously. We would be very happy with."

The judge spent much of the morning discussing an alleged armed robbery at the Happy Star restaurant, which happened hours before the murders of the Kings. The three suspects from the murders, 28-year-old Meyshane Johnson, 20-year-old Jamal Jefferson Woodford, and 17-year-old Jeremiah Mills are all accused of committing that armed robbery.

Prosecutors said the trio had been drinking while riding around in a borrowed car before they decided to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. Shortly after that robbery, investigators said the trio switched license plates on their vehicle and drove to the Ocean Beach Villas in Cupecoy, where the Kings lived.

According to Mills, the three suspects gained entry into the King's villa by climbing over the balcony.

Mills said when they got inside Mike King was asleep in a chair. The suspects saw an iPhone and laptop in the villa but decided they wanted money. They got a knife from the kitchen, tapped King on the face with it to wake him, and asked him where he kept money in the house. He told them it was upstairs in a safe.

Meyshane Johnson held Mike King at knifepoint, while Jamal Jefferson Woolford and Jermiah Mills went upstairs where Thelma King was sleeping. Both suspects woke her up and held her at gunpoint as she opened up the safe. They got an undisclosed amount of cash out of the safe.

Mills claimed he found illegal drugs in it as well, but forensic testing after the murders showed no trace amounts. Woolford and Mills then brought Thelma King downstairs. Mills said he was concerned she would alert authorities to what happened.

Prosecutors said Woolford and Mills then tied Thelma King to a chair, blindfolded her and gagged her. According to prosecutors, Johnson then stabbed to death both victims.  Mike King had his throat cut and was stabbed so hard the knife broke off in his back, prosecutors said. Thelma's throat was slit so severely the knife actually hit the backbone in her neck, according to testimony.

The judge said Johnson initially confessed to police he was responsible for the stabbing, but during court Tuesday, he said he could not remember if he did.  Johnson repeatedly answered "I don't remember" as he was questioned by the judge in St. Maarten.

Both Mills and Woolford said they were not in the home at the time of the Sept. 19 stabbing.

Testimony revealed that after the killings, the suspects went to a brothel. They also had more to drink, but could not remember if they used the money stolen from the Kings or the Happy Star.

All three suspects contended they did not know the Kings, but investigators revealed Johnson had previously worked for the company that did security at the villa, but did not specifically work at that location.

Investigators also said Woolford worked at Topper's Restaurant, which is owned by the Kings' good friends and business partners, Topper and Melanie Daboul. The Kings had partnered with the Dabouls for a rum venture which launched earlier this year.

 ::snipping2::

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/11808-kings-murder-trial-underway-prosecutor-demands-life-for-johnson-mills-faces-28-years-while-woolford-24-years-defense-to-argue-on-wednesday.html

Kings Murder Trial Underway --- Prosecutor Demands Life for Johnson, Mills Faces 28 years while Woolford 24 years --- Defense to Argue on Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY, 10 APRIL 2013 01:13    SMN NEWS TEAM 

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2013/cupecoymurdersuspects09042013.jpg)
Cupe Coy murder suspects: Meyshane Kemar Johnson, Jeremiah Chevon Mills, and Jamal Jefferson Woolford leaving the Court House on Tuesday afternoon.

Philipsburg:--- The Court of First Instance was packed to its capacity on Tuesday with relatives including the mother and siblings of Michael King as well as friends of the couple when the prosecution presented its case against the three suspects who were arrested shortly after Michael and Thelma King were brutally murdered in their Cupe Coy condominium. Among the bereaved relatives in the court room on Monday morning were the mother and uncle of Jamal Jefferson Woolford; however, Woolford's mother and uncle left the courtroom shortly after the proceedings started.

The three suspects are Meyshane Kemar Johnson, a national of Jamaica, his first cousin Jeremiah Chevon Mills, born on St. Maarten with Jamaican and Grenadian parentage, and Jamal Jefferson Woolford of Guyana, the trio is facing six charges, which are murder/manslaughter, armed robbery, laundering of goods they obtained from the robberies, and unlawful detention of the victims. The prosecution asked the court to sentence Meyshane Kemar Johnson to life imprisonment because he is the one who killed the Kings. As for Jeremiah Chevon Mills who was 17 years old when he committed the crimes, the prosecution believes that they have enough evidence to ask the court to sentence Mills to life imprisonment especially because he was convicted twice before and he was the one that orchestrated the robberies but because of his age the prosecution asked that Mills be sentenced to 28 years imprisonment. Jamal Jefferson Woolford does not have any criminal record prior to this murder but considering the magnitude of the crimes he committed, the prosecution asked that he be sentenced to 24 years imprisonment. Prosecutor Dounia Benammar and George van der Eshof told the court that they believe that they have sufficient evidence to prove all the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Based on the evidence the prosecution provided to the court which consists of video images, the three suspects robbed Happy Star Restaurant and even though police fired several shots at them, one of which hit the back of the getaway car, they went to Maho and Mills went into a casino probably to see if they could have robbed the casino. They then went to the Cupe Coy later that night and robbed and killed the Kings. Among some of the items stolen from the Kings were an iPhone, laptops, stacks of money, and a grey bag that was taken from a safe that contained items that are unknown to the police and a credit card belonging to Micheal King.. After all of that, the suspects then went to Casa Blanca where they continued to drink and have fun with prostitutes.

The suspects told the court they needed monies, yet they choose to spend the loot on prostitutes and alcohol. The laptop stolen from the Kings home the suspects claimed they threw it away on the French side, while Jeremiah Mills kept Thelma King's iPhone. It is through wire tap police managed to locate Johnson and Mills shortly after the crime was committed. Woolford was arrested 10 days later when he escaped to the US Virgin Islands but was brought back to St. Maarten shortly after he landed there.

(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2013/kingsrelatives09042013.jpg)
Relatives of the Kings leaving the Court House on Tuesday afternoon.

The Prosecution asked the Court to sentence Johnson to life imprisonment for the cold blooded murder of Micheal and Thelma King as well as the other crimes associated with the robbery of the Happy Star Restaurant and the robbery committed at the homes of the Kings prior to them being murdered by Meyshane Kemar Johnson. The Prosecution said Woolford and Mills tied Thelma King to a chair and blind folded her after she opened the safe and gave them the monies they had in a safe and a grey bag containing jewelry. Johnson headlocked Micheal King whom they found sleeping on a sofa and held a sharp knife to his neck while Mills and Woolford looked for valuables, they found the iPhone and laptop on a table inside the house but that was not enough so they poked Micheal King twice to wake him up and asked him to hand over all the monies he had. The prosecution said that Micheal told the suspects that his wife was upstairs sleeping and that there were monies in the safe. According to the statements given by the suspects, Thelma King panicked when she was awakened by Mills and Woolford but she managed to open the safe after several attempts. Mills told the court that Thelma King begged him not to hurt her and he promised her that he would not have done so if she cooperated and gave them what they wanted. After taking the monies and a grey bag they brought Thelma King downstairs where Johnson was holding her husband at knife point.

The session started off with Judge Tamara Tyghuis reading the suspects their rights then she posed several questions to the suspects on their role in the robbery of the Happy Star Restaurant on Cannegieter Street and the brutal killing of the Kings later that same night. Judge Tyghuis asked Johnson several questions as to what he did that night but Johnson kept saying he could not remember anything despite giving the police a detailed statement on the robbery of Happy Star Restaurant and the robbery and murder of Micheal and Thelma King on September 19th, 2012. Johnson made his statement to police on October 2nd, 2012 when he told police that he was at the Happy Star Restaurant earlier that day with Mills drinking, later he left the restaurant when his friend Peter Hunt called him to repair his car. Johnson later returned to the Happy Star Restaurant and then left with Mills to pick up Woolford at his home. The trio then returned and robbed the Happy Star Restaurant. During the robbery at Happy Star Restaurant, Johnson stayed in the car while Mills and Woolford robbed the business establishment.

Despite the statements given by the three suspects where they each confessed their roles in the two robberies and killing of the Kings; on Monday during the trial they all changed their stories. Meyshane Kemar Johnson told Judge repeatedly that he could not remember anything because he consumed a lot of alcohol that day. During the questioning, Attorney Brenda Brooks asked the judge for a brief recess so she could speak with her client Meyshane Kemar Johnson. Even when responding to the questions Brooks posed to Johnson he said he could not remember.

Background information on Meyshane Kemar Johnson.

Meyshane Kemar Johnson, the oldest of the three suspects was born in Jamaica where he attended school but left early to work so that he could assist his family financially. He worked in the construction field, as a mechanic, and also did agriculture in his homeland. Johnson then migrated to St. Maarten where he did odd jobs as a mechanic. In 2007, Johnson had a run in with the police due to his psychiatric and delusional condition and he was deported back to Jamaica but Johnson returned to St. Maarten that same year. In 2011, he began working at Checkmate Security as a security guard until the time of his arrest.

The psychiatric report issued by Dr. Gaudutrag of the Mental Health Foundation and a statement from Johnson's mother states that Johnson began consuming alcohol at a very young age (10 to 12 years old). Johnson also had two episodes of psychotic and delusional illness, once when he was in Jamaica and once in St. Maarten. On both occasions, Johnson was admitted to an institution in Jamaica where he received treatment. The report further stated that Johnson abused the use of alcohol but even though he drank heavily on September 19th, 2012, he knew exactly what he was doing when he went to pick up Woolford so that he and Jeremiah Mills could rob Happy Star Restaurant. Johnson is the father of three children all of whom are residing in Jamaica. He told the court he regretted his actions, he said that if he was conscious of his actions he would not have been in court charged with the crimes he committed. One of his wishes is to be able to see and care for his children. He also wants to know how long he has to remain in prison because his intention is to work while in prison.

Jeremiah Chevon Mills --- A Youngster with a monstrous record.

Jeremiah Chevon Mills (18) was convicted twice for robbery. In 2010, Mills was convicted for robbery and at that time he was sentenced to serve community service, but that did not work because in 2011 Mills was arrested again for theft. He was sentenced to 18 months, 15 months suspended sentence and two years probation but Mills still did not understand the consequences of his actions because by September 2012 he was back in prison for the armed robbery that was committed at the Happy Star Restaurant and the brutal murder of the Kings. Mills did not seem to be afraid of the justice system because of the way he answered some of the questions. At one point, he said that just by looking at the Kings house he knew they had money. He also told the court he wanted a "blow job" and the prostitute in Casa Blanca did not give it to him. Yet he stayed there from 12 to 2am when they left to take Woolford home and went back to the house of prostitution for more fun and pleasure.

Mills told the court that on the day he committed the robberies at Happy Star and at the Kings residence he was stoned. "I was popping pills, smoking marijuana, and drinking alcohol all day." When he was asked by the judge if he was ever at Happy Star Restaurant he told the court he did not even know where Happy Star Restaurant is located, but his cousin Meyshane Kemar Johnson told the court that both he and Mills were at Happy Star drinking on September 19th, 2012.

The Prosecution believes that the two suspects went to Happy Star to scout and plan the robbery they committed later that evening. Mills told Judge Tyhuis that the grey bag he took from the Kings' safe had one kilo of cocaine inside and he sold it for several thousand dollars, but he could not remember exactly how much money he sold the drugs for. He also told the court and police that he buried the monies in his yard but that money was never found. Mills even attacked the forensic evidence gathered by police which showed that there were no drugs in the safe. "If the forensic people did their job correctly they would have seen that drugs were inside that safe." Prosecutor Dounia Benammar asked Mills if he knew how much is one kilo of cocaine, he responded in the affirmative saying he knew because he sells it and the prosecutor should know that drugs can be compressed and she should not be fooled by the size of the safe.

The court was told that Jeremiah Mills had a rocky childhood because at age five his mother sent him to Jamaica to live with her sister because she was working two jobs. This according to the prosecution affected Jeremiah, his mother brought him back to St. Maarten when she learnt he was using marijuana but when his mother could not control him she sent him to his father who is living in Grenada. "That was the first time Jeremiah saw his father and the two could not get along so he returned to St. Maarten but the relationship between Jeremiah and his mother never got better."

Mills told the court that he went to Cupe Coy Beach prior to September 19th because he sells drugs there but maintained he did not know the Kings and the robbery and killings they committed that night were not planned. He said they went into the Kings house because a light was on and the shutters were not closed therefore they had easy access to the home.

Jamal Jefferson Woolford --- An Independent young man.

The court was told that Woolford was born in Guyana, he never knew his biological father but he said that he did not lack anything. He received his elementary education in Guyana and his secondary education on St. Maarten. Woolford worked at Bobby's Marina for two years. The prosecution told the court that they interviewed Woolford's mother and up to now his mother cannot understand how her son got himself into trouble, especially a case of such magnitude. Woolford was an independent young man who went to live on his own when he made 18 years old. He also told the court that he had lots of debts like paying his rent and having a pregnant girlfriend and that is what led him to commit the crimes even though he did not know what Johnson and Mills picked him up for that evening. It should be noted that Woolford worked for Topper's Restaurant but maintained that he did not know the victims. He told the court that he worked at the restaurant on the beach and he did not pay keen attention to the patrons or friends of Toppers. It should be noted that Toppers and the Kings had signed a business deal two days prior to their brutal murder. They intended to open a rum factory on St. Maarten.

Prosecutor Dounia Benammar told the court that the three suspects acted out of greed all because they wanted quick money. The killing of the Kings left the entire community in shock; the relatives of the Kings still cannot understand why the suspects killed Micheal and Thelma King because they got the monies and other valuable items they went to look for. Prosecutor Benammar and Judge Tyhuis asked the suspects why killed them, and why they did not leave when they got the monies and the grey bag they took out of the Kings safe. Woolford told the police and the court that he told the Jamaican (Johnson) not to kill them, he said he saw what Johnson wanted to do so he left the house and went on the porch and then to the beach. Mills said he did not participate in the killings but Johnson said that Mills gave him a second knife because when he (Johnson) cut Michael's throat he was suffering and he wanted to make his death easy so he stabbed him in his back and the knife blade broke inside of the victim. "At that point he asked for another knife and Mills took a second knife from the kitchen and gave it to Johnson. Johnson used that knife to inflict a few more stab wounds on Michael. By then Mills had left the house and Johnson then decided to kill Thelma when she called out for her husband. Johnson told police that he killed Thelma because he did not want her to suffer because he had killed her husband, the other thing he feared is that Thelma would have alerted the security and police so to cover up their crimes he stayed in the house and slashed Thelma King throat twice, cutting her wind pipe and main arteries causing her death almost instantly. The trial continues on Wednesday at 8:30 am. Judge Tyhuis told the court that Attorney at Law Brenda Brooks will start the proceedings on Wednesday morning. Three lawyers will be defending their clients on Wednesday then the Prosecution will begin with rebuttals. The last word she said will end with the three suspects.

Click here to view more photos of the Kings Murder Trail on Tuesday.

LAST UPDATED ( WEDNESDAY, 10 APRIL 2013 10:23 )
 

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/12080-court-finds-king-murder-suspects-guilty-johnson-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-mills-received-28-years-and-woolford-22-years-family-of-the-kings-showed-severe-emotions-after-decision-was-pronounced.html


Court Finds King Murder Suspects Guilty --- Johnson sentenced to Life Imprisonment, Mills Received 28 years, and Woolford 22 years --- Family of the Kings showed Severe Emotions after Decision was pronounced.
THURSDAY, 09 MAY 2013 00:00    SMN NEWS TEAM  User Rating:  / 4

Philipsburg:--- Judge Tamara Thyhius sent a strong message to the three suspects that were found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of murdering American citizens Michael and Thelma King on September 19th, 2012 and also for robbing the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant earlier that same evening. The main suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson, a national of Jamaica, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Judge Thyhuis told Johnson that his actions on the evening of September 19th, 2012 were intentional and premeditated, while he acted out of greed when he robbed and murdered the Kings. Judge Thyhuis further told Johnson that his demeanor in the courtroom during the trial did not give her reason to believe that he is remorseful for his actions, especially towards the King family and the community of St. Maarten. Judge Thyhuis said the murder of the Kings basically destroyed the community of St. Maarten and affected the island's economy and tourism industry. The arguments presented by Johnson's lawyer Brenda Brooks were not considered especially when she asked the court to deem the prosecutor's case inadmissible. Judge Thyhuis said that there is no decision by any court that would show that the court or the prosecution infringed on Johnson's rights when they served him two summons on the same day. She said that the court found it legally and convincingly proven that Johnson robbed the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant and he also robbed the Kings and took their lives. Judge Thyhuis said the murders were intentional and premeditated, therefore the court found Johnson guilty of murdering both Michael and Thelma King and the punishment for this crime can only be a life sentence, especially since Johnson can ask for clemency. Johnson was convicted on all the charges presented by the prosecution on April 10th, 2013.

The second suspect Jeremiah Chevon Mills was sentenced to 28 years imprisonment for the role he played in the brutal murders and robbery of the Kings and the Happy Star Chinese Restaurant. The court acquitted Mills for the murder of the Kings but found that he was indeed an accomplice to the killings that rocked St. Maarten. Judge Thyhuis said Mills is guilty of kidnapping Thelma King by using what looked like a gun to hold her hostage, tie her to a chair, and blindfold and gag her while he was also found guilty of giving Johnson a second knife to murder the Kings. Mills was also found guilty of laundering the monies and goods he gained from the robberies of Happy Star and the Kings.

Judge Thyhuis told Mills that she considered his age when deciding on his punishment as well as his criminal record. She told Mills that he did not show remorse for his actions during the trial and neither did he show any remorse towards the family of the Kings who are suffering the loss of their loved ones. As soon as Judge Tamara Thyhuis pronounced the 28 years sentence for Mills, he immediately asked for some water. But when leaving the courtroom, Mills looked at the King family all of whom attended the trial and smirked at them. He even told the police officer that was escorting him from the courtroom not to hold him. Judge Tamara Thyhuis sentenced the third suspect Jamal Jefferson Woolford to 22 years imprisonment for the robbery committed at the Happy Star Restaurant and the use of violence by cranking what appeared to be a gun. Woolford was acquitted for the murder of the Kings but he was also found guilty as an accomplice to the murders since he participated in kidnapping Thelma King, under threat he tied her to a chair and gagged and blindfolded her. Judge Thyhuis also found Woolford guilty on the charge of money laundering because he used the monies he gained from the two robberies along with the other two suspects on prostitutes and alcohol. She also found that Woolford did not show sufficient remorse for his actions and since the crimes he committed are serious, the court found that he should be put away for a very long period of time so that there is no recurrence of such crimes on St. Maarten.

 ::snipping3::

LAST UPDATED ( THURSDAY, 09 MAY 2013 01:53 )

There's also audio of the interview with the King family members that you can listen to at the link.  The murderers showed no remorse for the murders of Michael and Thelma King and even smiled and smirked at the family as they were leaving the court.

http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/12094-king-family-praised-police-for-their-hard-work-in-apprehending-suspects-people-of-st-maarten-showed-empathy-for-their-loss.html

King Family Praised Police for their hard work in Apprehending Suspects --- People of St. Maarten showed Empathy for their loss.
THURSDAY, 09 MAY 2013 23:43    SMN NEWS TEAM  User Rating:  / 1


(http://smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2013/kingfamily09052013.jpg)
Some of the King siblings at their hotel room on Thursday.

Airport:--- The relatives of slain Americans Michael and Thelma King had nothing but praise for the Police Department (KPSM) for apprehending the three suspects that murdered Michael and Thelma King in their Cupe Coy Condominium on September 19th, 2012. Todd King who spoke to SMN News on Thursday on behalf of the family said that the detectives (officers of KPSM) showed their professionalism when they assured them that those involved in murdering their loved ones will be apprehended and brought to justice.

Todd King said he is still wondering how the police department knew they were coming to St. Maarten the day after the murders took place. He said the family did not inform anyone that they were coming to the island. Todd King said he visited St. Maarten before but when they left their country to come and deal with the horrific deaths of their loved ones they were fearful of the island and did not know how they would have been treated. "I just don't know how the police knew we were coming but when I reached immigration and I gave my passport, suddenly I saw a hand waived and immediately after we were introduced to detective Dientje Muller who drove us straight to the police station where we met over 40 officers who all assured us that the killers will be found. We saw a police force that acted with professionalism and officers who felt our pain and sorrow." Todd King further explained that shortly after that they met with the Prosecutors who did a very good job in explaining to them the difference in the American law and the Dutch law and what they should expect at the trial. One of the things the Kings said they asked the Prosecution to do was to demand a life sentence for Johnson, the man who admitted to murdering Michael and Thelma King on several occasions.

"We read those statements and I want to state that the suspects told a different story in their statements to police when they were first apprehended and did not have contact with each other. But when they appeared in court on April 10th, 2013 they changed some of their statements. Johnson gave police five detailed statements prior to the trial and he gave police the gruesome details of the robberies and killings but in court on April 10th, 2013 he suddenly got amnesia. Another conflicting statement that was told to the court is that Jeremiah Chevon Mills and Jamal Jefferson Woolford claimed they were not inside the house when the murders took place. In the statements to police they admitted to being inside the house when Johnson killed Michael King. Jamal Jefferson Woolford told the court that he was not inside the villa when Michael King was killed but in his statements to police he gave details on how Mike was killed because he was inside the villa. We read the statements and we compared them and what the defense attorney told the court on April 10th was not reflective of what really transpired. We thought from the inception that if the judge read the statements we read then justice would have been served." Todd King said the entire family was convinced that the three murderers would not have gotten away.

When SMN News asked the Kings how they felt when they heard of the mistakes that were made by the prosecution, they said they discussed it but would prefer not to comment on that. They also said that the main suspect Meyshane Kemar Johnson smiled when he was leaving the courtroom on Wednesday even though he was given a lifetime sentence. They said they heard what Jeremiah Mills said to the police officer but they did not see when he smirked at them, but for them Johnson had a big smile on his face throughout the sentencing and when he left the courtroom.


Killings and Trial took a toll on Michael King's mother.

The siblings said that their mother could not return to St. Maarten to witness the outcome and the decision the judge rendered because after the trial she got really sick. "All of this took a lot out of our mother because when she went back to the United States after the trial she ended up being sick for a few weeks." When SMN News reporter asked how she reacted when she heard of the court decision, the siblings said their mother reacted very emotionally.


Who were Michael and Thelma King?

For the first time the King family decided to give information on Michael and Thelma King whose lives were snatched away by three greedy young men who were trying to get quick money. The King family said Michael and Thelma King dated from the time they were very young. They broke off their relationship when Michael moved away to Texas and went to study. When he returned to the home town after school he was a broke young man who went to live with his brother and his wife (Todd and Paula King). Not long after he returned home he met Thelma and they started back dating and finally they got married. Thelma King was five years older than Michael but they were a very happy couple. Thelma King was working in a major US bank.

Todd further explained that Mike's best friend Brad had an insurance agency and his friend hired him. Todd said within a period of time his brother did really well and he was promoted to a district manager and at some point he convinced his brother Todd to go and work with him and he too became a district manager. Sometime later, Michael was promoted to General Manager and that was when they moved to Charleston where he met David Kennedy. Todd said about ten years ago Michael and Thelma King visited St. Maarten with their friend David Kennedy. He said at some point his brother got out of the insurance business and got into business with David Kennedy in a labeling company. Todd said that Michael and David developed that company and that too became very successful. Some four to five years ago his brother sold that company and decided that he was going to further invest in St. Maarten. Todd said Michael and Thelma King were frequent visitors of St. Maarten and they invested in seven properties on the island. Their latest venture was to invest their monies in a rum factory. The King family described the couple as very friendly and they were people that everyone wanted to be around.

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130509/PC16/130509249

Man who killed Mount Pleasant couple Michael and Thelma King in St. Maarten sentenced to life
Glenn Smith Posted: Thursday, May 9, 2013 12:10 a.m.

The man who slit the throats of a Mount Pleasant couple during a robbery at their St. Maarten villa smirked and smiled at the victims’ relatives after receiving a life term in prison Wednesday.

During a court hearing in the island capital of Philipsburg, Judge Tamara Tijhuis handed down the sentence after finding 29-year-old Meyshane Kemar Johnson and two other men guilty in the gruesome September killings of Michael and Thelma King.

Johnson’s co-defendants, Jeremiah Chevon Mills, 18, and Jamal Jefferson Woolford, 21, received 28 years and 22 years, respectively. Testimony during the trio’s two-day trial last month indicated that Mills and Woolford played lesser roles than Johnson in the actual killings.

Todd King, brother of Michael King, said he and his relatives who attended the proceeding were relieved and impressed with the hard work of prosecutors and Tijhuis. Life was the maximum sentence available for Johnson, as St. Maarten does not have the death penalty.

“This is everything they could do under their law,” Todd King said. “We were very happy with the outcome.”

Still, the defendants could appeal the verdicts and sentences, and Johnson’s attorney, Brenda Brooks, indicated Wednesday she intends to do just that. Under Dutch law, that could lead to a full retrial of the case as early as October or November, Solicitor General Taco Stein said.

“But we are confident this will also hold up in the high court,” he said. “We feel justice has been served in this case.”

Johnson, who smirked through most of the trial, showed little emotion as his sentence was imposed, and the former security guard smiled as he was led from the courtroom, several observers said. By contrast, Mills was clearly bothered by his sentence. He fidgeted in his chair, crushed a paper cup in his hand and mumbled something under his breath, Finley King, Michael King’s brother, said.

The trio declined an opportunity to address the court, but Tijhuis had plenty of words for them, admonishing the men for taking innocent lives, saddling the King family with grief and harming the friendly image of St. Maarten.

The Today newspaper quoted the judge’s ruling as saying:

“These acts of unnecessary and excessive deadly violence have cause feelings of fear and unsafety to the direct environment of the victims but also to the whole of St. Maarten. Furthermore the murders have triggered a wave of indignity and fear for St. Maarten’s economic stability, even though this is of a different magnitude in the context of the unspeakable sorrow it has caused to the next of kin. The victims Michael and Thelma King were guests on the island, and with the murders St. Maarten has been hit in its economic heart, the tourism industry.”

Karen King Moser, Michael King’s sister, said her family was pleased by the judge’s ruling and her strong words. “She was remarkable,” she said. “It was exactly what should have been done. And it was just such a relief to hear her compassion.”

The judge mostly followed the prosecutors’ recommended sentences in the case, though she gave Woolford two years less than they had requested. That’s because she found there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that he was an accessory to the actual killings, Finley King said.

The prospect of life for Johnson surprised some islanders, despite the severity of the crime. Life sentences are rare here because Dutch law strives to provide a “ray of hope” for offenders to encourage rehabilitation. Stein acknowledged that could be a sticking point on appeal.

Johnson’s attorney, Brooks, vowed to fight for a more lenient sentence on appeal, and she challenged procedural mistakes made by prosecutors in regard to a court summons for her client.

Stein said the court already has addressed those issues, and he doesn’t expect that argument to have any traction on appeal. “I don’t think there’s much chance with that,” he said.

Johnson claimed at trial to have no recollection of Sept. 19, the night of the murders. But he and his co-defendants had earlier provided investigators with a clearer picture of what happened.

 ::snipping3::

The suspects are believed to have escaped with about $80,000 in jewelry and cash.

Todd King said he and his relatives were overcome with a flood of emotions when the verdicts finally came down. They remained rooted in their seats, hugging one another and fighting back tears. “It was very intense,” he said.

Finley King said he hopes the outcome of the case will bring his family some closure. “It was very emotional, but we feel like maybe we can move on a little bit from here,” he said.

There is also audio at the link if anyone would like to hear the interviews.

http://www.smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-martin-news/11816-king-family-refutes-allegation-that-michael-and-thelma-king-had-drugs-in-their-condominium-bag-had-thelma-king-s-jewelry-also-no-contract-was-signed-before-the-murder-of-the-kings-todd-king.html

King Family Refutes Allegation that Michael and Thelma King had Drugs in their Condominium --- Bag had Thelma King's Jewelry, also no contract was signed before the Murder of the Kings --- Todd King.
THURSDAY, 11 APRIL 2013 04:29    SMN NEWS TEAM 

(http://www.smn-news.com/images/stories/localnews/2013/toddking10042013.jpg)
Todd King speaking to reporters at the Court House on Wednesday afternoon.

Philipsburg:--- The brother of murder victim Michael King told reporters on Wednesday at the Court of First Instance that he wanted to put some of the rumors to rest regarding his brother and the Dabouls. Todd King said that his brother and his wife Thelma did not sign any business contract with the Dabouls (Toppers) prior to their death. He said parties were discussing the possibility of starting a business but no contract was signed at the time. Todd said he and his brother met that whole weekend at the beach and he outlined the plans he had for the company and how the operating agreement would have been written up. Todd further explained that he was helping his brother with the preparation of that agreement.

King said after his brother died he contacted the Dabouls and asked them what had changed in the agreement and they assured him that nothing had changed and only recently the King families signed a business agreement with the Dabouls. Todd King said what people are saying are pure speculations but he confirmed to SMN News that discussions were taking place between his brother and the Dabouls.

Melanie Daboul who was also present during the proceedings also said they have been doing business with Michael and Thelma King for quite some time and there was absolutely no contract signed for the rum factory prior to the death of the Kings.

Another clarification the Kings made was concerning the drugs Jeremiah Chevon Mills told the court that he took from the King's safe on September 19th, 2012 when he went to their condominium and robbed them. Todd said his brother and his wife never did drugs. "Inside that bag they stole had all Thelma's jewelry that valued about $70,000.00." Todd King said the package Mills described could not fit in the safe because the safe is very small. He further explained that if Mills had found drugs in the safe and sold it he would have shared that money with the other suspects. When SMN News asked Todd what kind of work his late brother did to earn his living prior to coming to St. Maarten, he said Michael and Thelma owned a labeling company which they sold. Todd said Michael King was on retirement and he was planning to invest his monies in a rum factory on St. Maarten.

Melanie Daboul said when she was informed by Todd that one of the suspects Jamal Jefferson Woolford worked for Toppers Restaurant she was shocked because in her mind that was not the case. Melanie said she then checked with her administrators and it turned out that Woolford did work for them in February 2012 at Toppers by the Sea. She said that she never met Woolford and did not know him because during that same period of time she had given birth to her baby and she was not working. She further explained that her husband Topper Daboul also did not know the suspect Jamal Jefferson Woolford because the young man worked at nights. She further explained that Woolford only worked 12 shifts in the course of six weeks. She said Woolford was given a three month contract but left for another job.

Michael King's mother Sally Gripkey told SMN News that what has happened to her son is like a nightmare for her, to her it is like a dream and she still thinks that she would wake up one day and her son and daughter in law would be there. When asked by SMN News how the trial on Tuesday affected her she said they knew about the case for a while now and none of it was a surprise to her. At the two day hearing, two of Michael King's brothers, his mother, and a sister of Thelma King were among those that came to St. Maarten to witness the proceedings.
 

Thank you for all the information and updates, TexasMom.  Two lives snuffed out over greed.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

yes, thank you texasmom.
I am afraid this is not over -- you just know there will be appeals and maybe even another trial.  It grieves me that POS have more rights than victims and their families.
Prayers for Mrs. King to regain her strength.
 ::justice2nj2::