Judge Refuses to Accept Plea for Manslaughter

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A judge refused to accept the guilty plea of a man who said he killed another man in self-defense.

Jean Joseph pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter in the February 15, 2020 stabbing death of Roderick Taylor when he appeared before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns.

The court heard that the men got into a fight while at a bar on Ross Corner. Joseph left the bar and Taylor followed him to his home.

Joseph stabbed Taylor in the chest.

After the stabbing, Taylor ran home and died on his porch.

The judge said that she couldn’t accept the plea since Joseph maintained he was defending himself against the deceased.

As such, Joseph will go to trial October 2, 2024.

Joseph’s been in custody since 2020.