Kareem Franklin on Trial for Attempted Murder of Policemen

An alleged gunman also appeared before Justice Candace Nanton today where the Crown closed its case in a trial for attempted murder.  Kareem Franklin is accused of trying to kill a pair of police officers during a drive-by shooting that took place on Mahogany Street in March 2016.  Despite being caught on surveillance footage with a firearm in his hands, Franklin denies that he was ever on the scene and fired shots at the officers.  Franklin is on trial for the attempted murder of P.C. Stephen Choco and Joseph Sutherland.  It is alleged that the policemen were on motorcycle patrol on Mahogany Street when they came across Franklin who was also a passenger on a motorcycle.  The driver of the motorcycle was signaled to pull over.  Instead of doing so, the driver sped off and a pursuit ensued.  That’s when Franklin reportedly produced a handgun and opened fire in the direction of the officers.  Franklin claims that on the day of the incident, he was at home and around one o’clock that afternoon, he went over to a football field where his mother was watching him play football.  He says that’s when they heard the gunshots.  Kareem Franklin is being represented by attorney Ronnel Gonzalez.  Franklin is on remand at the Belize Central Prison.