Virgin Islands businessman Andy Morrell has been charged in connection to an October boat crash that left musician Frandy Martin Jr. dead, according to police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr. Morrell was charged by police on Tuesday but granted bail with strict conditions to appear before Magistrates’ Court on May 31, the ODPP explained in a statement circulated yesterday by Police Information Officer Diane Drayton.
He is facing charges of manslaughter, causing serious injury to a person while onboard a vessel, and failing to render assistance after a collision, the statement explained.
“We are aware of the public interest in this matter, and remind the public that such investigations take time and must be executed properly to ensure that there is due process for the victims as well as the accused,” the statement added.
A 40-foot monohull and a 35-footContender powerboat crashed sometime after 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 16 near Prospect Reef, resulting in the death of Mr. Martin, according to a police press release issued on Oct. 19.
The wreck also sent five other people to the hospital and resulted in the arrest of a man who was later released, police stated at the time.
Police added in October that all three people aboard the powerboat were treated for serious injuries at Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, and Mr. Martin eventually succumbed.
They did not say whether he was the captain or a passenger.
Of five people aboard the monohull, a woman was still hospitalised as of Oct. 19, and two minors were treated and discharged, police stated.
They added at the time that a man was arrested and later discharged “pending further investigations.” Mr. Martin was a drummer who played with various bands in the territory.