A witness has given detailed testimony in the murder trial of Andre Ruddock, telling the Home Circuit Court what he says happened when Taneka Gardner was killed at Pathways International Restoration Ministries in St James in October 2021.
Ruddock is accused of killing Gardner, 39, during an alleged ritual at the church led by the late pastor Kevin Smith. Ruddock has not been convicted, and the allegations against him are currently being tested before the court.
WITNESS DESCRIBES EVENTS AT THE CHURCH
Church member Corey James testified that Smith had summoned followers to the church after posting on Facebook about an approaching flood and telling them to seek safety there.
According to James, congregants wore white sheets and were instructed to sit on the ground and avoid looking at Smith. He also testified that Smith told members to throw away food and other belongings.
James told the court that Smith later produced a list containing several names, including Gardner’s, and appointed Ruddock and another man as “archangels.”
According to the witness, when Gardner entered the compound, Smith questioned her about whether she believed he could heal her and bring her back to life if she died.
James alleged that Smith subsequently instructed one of the men described as an “archangel” to kill Gardner. He testified that Ruddock then attacked Gardner with a knife, resulting in her death.
The account forms part of the prosecution’s evidence against Ruddock and has not yet resulted in a conviction.
GARDNER’S FATHER QUESTIONED ABOUT ALLEGED RELATIONSHIP
Gardner’s father also testified during the trial and was questioned by the defence about whether his daughter had been romantically involved with Smith.
He told the court that he had no knowledge of such a relationship.
When the defence suggested that Gardner and Smith had been romantically involved, the judge noted that Gardner’s father had already said he knew nothing about the alleged relationship and directed the attorney to move on.
Gardner’s father also testified about identifying his daughter following her death.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Ruddock’s murder trial is continuing in the Home Circuit Court, where the prosecution is presenting witnesses and evidence surrounding Gardner’s death.
Ruddock is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
