Joseph Says Threat Forced Him to Help Move Arthur James After Alleged Killing

Uroy Joseph told the High Court that he did not willingly become involved in the aftermath of Arthur James’ alleged killing, but acted because he feared his cousins would do the same to him if he refused to cooperate.

Joseph, who is on trial for being an accessory after the fact to murder, gave an unsworn statement to Justice Ann Marie Smith on Tuesday after being advised of his options at the close of the evidence.

He said his cousin, Zamir Ogarro, had been staying at his home for about two and a half months because they were working at Ras Freeman and he believed it was more convenient for him to stay there.

Joseph recalled that on the morning of the incident, Arthur James arrived at his home while he was preparing to leave. Joseph said he recognised James and left him at the house while he went to carry out chores in English Harbour and Ras Freeman.

When he returned, however, Joseph said he walked into a disturbing scene.

He told the court that James had been tied up and that both Zamir and his brother, Obasic Ogarro, were armed with guns.

Joseph said he questioned Zamir about what was happening and made it clear that he wanted no part in the situation.

According to Joseph, Zamir told him that because he was already there, he was involved.

James, Joseph said, was asking why he was being treated that way, while Zamir indicated that someone simply wanted to speak with him.

At one point, Joseph said Obasic was instructed to turn a vehicle around, but the vehicle became stuck along the edge of a sidewalk. Zamir then asked Joseph to help Obasic with the vehicle.

Joseph said he assisted and returned to the house.

It was shortly afterward, he told the court, that he witnessed Zamir strike James in the head with a pipe.

Joseph said he was shocked by what he had seen and questioned Zamir about the attack.

He claimed Zamir responded that James had attempted to escape.

“I was dumbfounded,” Joseph said, before describing how he sat in a chair.

He later saw Zamir take James outside. When Joseph went outside afterward, he said James had been wrapped in a sheet.

Joseph told the court that he initially refused when Zamir asked him to help put James into a vehicle.

But he said Zamir threatened him, making it clear that he could suffer the same consequences if he refused to assist.

Joseph said he became afraid.

Having already witnessed James being struck, he said he did not believe he could fight against the men and decided to follow their instructions.

He said his cousins eventually left and instructed him to watch Obasic’s vehicle.

About 25 minutes later, Joseph said, he was instructed to drive the vehicle to an area near Road House.

He said he was later taken back home before going to English Harbour.

Joseph also addressed his contact with police after Zamir was arrested.

He said he contacted the police to find out whether a bulletin had been issued for him and subsequently spoke with investigators.

Joseph told the court that he explained what he had witnessed and agreed to assist with the investigation, maintaining that he has cooperated with police since then.

Following Joseph’s statement, both the prosecution and defence delivered their closing arguments.

Justice Smith is expected to sum up the evidence for the jury on Wednesday, after which the jurors will retire to consider their verdict.

Joseph is accused of assisting after the alleged murder of Arthur James, whose burnt remains were discovered in bushes in Freetown in October 2021 following an overnight search led by his partner, Lily Schofield.

Joseph was originally charged alongside his cousins Zamir and Obasic Ogarro.

Both men died before the matter reached trial.

The prosecution has alleged that Zamir was the main perpetrator in James’ killing.