By Latrishka Thomas
Nearly two years after a tragic incident that claimed the life of an American University of Antigua (AUA) medical student, legal proceedings against the accused driver remain stalled in the Magistrates’ Court.
Karim Edwards, an accountant, faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving. The incident occurred on October 23, 2022, when Edwards allegedly struck two AUA students crossing Friars Hill Road with his vehicle.
Kenneth Mathew, 21, suffered severe brain trauma and died just over a week after the collision. His companion, Priyanjana Das, then 19, survived but sustained significant injuries, including the loss of her right arm, fractures to her left arm, and pelvic injuries.
Initially charged with dangerous driving, Edwards saw his charges elevated to causing death by dangerous driving following Mathew’s passing.
The most recent hearing, expected to be a committal, resulted in yet another postponement yesterday.
Magistrate Dexter Wason and the accused’s legal counsel both required time to review the prosecution’s response to a ‘no-case’ submission filed by attorney Wendel Alexander.
Alexander had argued that the case was “as empty as a calabash” and should be dismissed due to lack of evidence.
The prosecution submitted their response to the court on August 19, with the defence apparently receiving their copy the following day. However, neither the magistrate nor the defence had the document at hand in time to review the submission before Wednesday’s hearing.
Consequently, the case has been adjourned until September 19.
At this time, Magistrate Wason is expected to rule on whether the case should be dropped or proceed to committal.
