Judge Reinstates Bail for Murder Accused

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A judge has reinstated bail for Lloyd Minnis, the man accused of the 2017 murders of 23-year-old Dennis Moss and eight-year-old Eugene Woodside Jr, who was affectionately called EJ.

This is the second time Minnis’ bail was restored after it was revoked for breaching the conditions of his release. 

On September 25, 2017, EJ was doing his homework in the bedroom of his family’s wooden home on Rosebud Street in Chippingham when gunfire erupted outside, as an assailant pursued Moss. He was shot and killed.

Bullets also went through EJ’s home, striking and killing him.

Minnis, the alleged getaway driver, was charged in relation to the matter on October 24, 2017, while the alleged shooter remains at large.

Thirty-year-old Minnis was first released on bail on February 25, 2018.

However, his bail was revoked on November 18, 2018 after he cut off his ankle bracelet.

His bail was reinstated on April 28, 2021.

While on bail, Minnis was charged with firearm and ammunition possession on October 7, 2021. His bail was revoked the following day for breaching his reporting conditions for his murder bail.

However, Minnis made another bail application after his trial, which was set for April 4, 2022, did not proceed because the court was hearing another case.

According to his lawyer, Ian Cargill, Minnis was compliant with his bail reporting conditions, except for when he was in custody.

On the other hand, the prosecutor, Jacqueline Burrows, said that Minnis ought to remain in custody due to his history of bail breaches.

In restoring bail, Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson said that Minnis had spent three years on remand and she was satisfied that Minnis would appear for his trial that is set to begin on  January 23, 2023.

She granted Minnis $20,000 bail on the condition he wears an ankle bracelet.

He has to report to police on weekdays before 6pm.

Minnis is also required to keep a curfew of 8:00pm to 6:00am and is banned from coming into deliberate contact with prosecution witnesses.

His bail will take effect on September 16 because Minnis has a pending bail hearing before another judge for the firearm offenses.