Businessman implicated in deadly shooting at candlelight vigil, remanded

By Clinton McGregor    

 

The businessman accused of shooting a group of people, including his neighbours, killing two of them, at a candlelight vigil in Nashville, Manchester last month, was remanded Wednesday when he appeared before the Manchester Parish Court.

 

Patrick Thompson, 55, who is facing two counts of murder and three counts of wounding, was remanded until March 19 when his attorney Peter Champagnie, KC, will apply for bail.

 

Mr. Champagnie said he is awaiting full disclosure of the statements from the prosecution.

 

"As one would appreciate on matters like these where there are a number of statements, it would not be prudent to make an application for bail today without having access and making an assessment of the statements that the prosecution have. They have a duty to disclose and when we get those statements, then we will be in a position to make an application for bail on behalf of Mr. Thompson," said the attorney.  

 

Mr. Champagnie added that he is concerned about pre-trial commentary on social media platforms that could prejudice the case against his client and other concerned parties. 

 

"In short, what we are appealing for is for the matter to be ventilated in court and not elsewhere. We don't want any prejudice to arise one way or another," he declared.   

 

Mr. Thompson is also being represented by attorney Samoi Campbell. 

 

Thirty-five-year-old Aldeen Dixon, of Coleyville in Manchester, and 42-year-old Stacy Ann Musgrave, of Barnstable district, were killed in the attack on February 23.

 

Two other women and a 12-year-old boy were wounded in the incident.

 

Mr. Thompson, a licensed firearm holder, is accused of opening fire on patrons at the candlelight vigil after he allegedly got into a dispute with one of them who accidentally scratched his vehicle, which was parked in an open lot.