Delano Forbes Murder Trial Opens with Gruesome Testimony

Jury selection and testimony began this week in the murder trial of Delano Forbes, accused of killing postal worker Maurison Thomas in 2018.

Forbes, 31, who faces four separate murder charges, sat quietly during the proceedings, communicating with his attorney by written notes.

After two jurors were challenged, a panel of nine women and two men was finalized to hear the case in the High Court.

According to reports in Wadadli Case Files, the first witness, a neighbour of the deceased, recounted visiting Thomas’ home on the night of March 7, 2018, after attempts to contact him failed.

He said a group went to check on Thomas, noticing his television still on but no sign of him inside. When they tried the kitchen door, it swung open, releasing a strong smell of blood.

Inside, Thomas was found face down in the living room, partially covered with clothing and pinned under a couch, with blood visible on the floor.

The court also heard about Forbes’ recapture weeks after he allegedly escaped police custody. Officers testified that he was found hiding in a pump house in the Folly’s area, after a light was spotted inside the structure surrounded by bushes. The smell of marijuana led officers to the location, where Forbes was discovered behind a large piece of machinery.

A search revealed several personal items, including wallets, cash, a camouflage hoodie, floral pants, red water boots, and a pair of scissors reportedly stained with blood. Forbes allegedly claimed all the items belonged to him.

He was previously acquitted in a 2020 trial related to his alleged escape from custody. The current murder trial continues this week before the jury.