The murder trial of Brittany Jno Baptiste began yesterday with testimony revealing the events surrounding the 2021 killing of 66-year-old Jane Finch in Piccadilly.

Prosecutors presented a narrative of the night Finch was found dead in her home, stabbed multiple times after making a desperate Facebook post and distress call to local police.

A key witness, a local taxi driver, provided testimony about transporting the accused on the night of the murder. He described an erratic journey through several village locations, with Jno Baptiste making multiple unexplained stops and displaying strange behaviour.

The driver told the court that Jno Baptiste, who is in her 20s, was particularly agitated during the trip, at one point appearing on the verge of attacking him.

A constable testified that when officers arrived at Finch’s residence, the accused attempted to flee. Blood was found on her hands, and she reportedly made strange statements that suggested she was not in a rational state of mind.

Two of Finch’s friends also provided crucial testimony. One discovered the disturbing Facebook post that night and later identified Finch’s body. The other admitted to feeling profound guilt for not immediately responding to the online plea for help.

The trial, presided over by Justice Tunde Bakre, is expected to continue today with further witness testimonies.