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The Burt Norville Trial Part I
By Christine Larbey
The circumstances surrounding the death of Wilberforce ‘Burt’ Norville made local headlines for weeks in 2003. The 24-year-old who belonged to a prominent local family was stabbed at a birthday party held at the Bonne Terre home of Omar Boyea on November 9. He later died at hospital. Since his death a young man has been on remand at Bordelais charged with his murder.
(Meanwhile the Norville family two years ago brought a civil suit against the state for negligence stemming from the events at Victoria Hospital before Norville died. Justice Sandra Mason is yet to rule on that matter.). Nearly five years since Burt Norville’s death, the nation has obviously shifted to other issues. But in the local courts Norville’s death has been the focus for the past three weeks as the now thirty-year-old accused went on trial for murder. The case which had some shocking revelations was heard before presiding Judge Kenneth Benjamin. The STAR brings you segments of the trial in a two part series.
During the lengthy trial described by Justice Benjamin as ” no ordinary one” twelve witnesses gave evidence. Six voir dires (trials within a trial) were held. The Acting Commissioner of Police John Broughton was summoned to appear before the judge. Likewise a representative from the Attorney’s General’s Chambers. The Victoria Hospital record keeper was also called in.

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