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The murder trial of Andre Ruddock reached a critical juncture on November 9 when jurors signaled they had reached a decision, only to be sent back for further consideration. The seven-member jury panel indicated readiness to deliver their verdict at 1:25 p.m., but when they returned to the courtroom, their decision was not unanimous—splitting 5-2 on the charge.
Judge Leighton Pusey made clear that a divided verdict could not be accepted at that stage. He instructed the jurors to return to the jury room and continue their deliberations, with a requirement that they spend at least two additional hours considering the case before returning with a final decision. The judge did not disclose whether the majority had voted to convict or acquit Ruddock.
Ruddock stands accused of murder in connection with the October 17, 2021 death of 39-year-old Taneka Gardner. According to court proceedings, he is alleged to have cut Gardner’s throat at the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries compound in St James, purportedly acting on instructions from his then-pastor, Kevin Smith.
The trial heard testimony from 13 witnesses in total. Twelve witnesses appeared in person to give evidence, while one witness’s statements and documents were admitted by agreement between the defence and prosecution teams, allowing that evidence to be presented without the witness appearing in the courtroom. The case now rests on the jury’s ability to reach a unanimous or majority verdict following their extended deliberations.
The death of Taneka Gardner at the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James on October 17, 2021, sparked a significant criminal investigation. The case centres on allegations that Ruddock carried out the killing under the direction of Kevin Smith, who was serving as pastor at the ministry at the time.
This high-profile murder trial has drawn significant attention in Jamaica as it involves serious allegations against leadership within a religious organization and raises questions about institutional accountability and the influence wielded by religious figures over their congregants.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Pathways Ministries Trial | My daughter and pastor Kevin Smith were not in a relationship, father of murder victim testifies
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