Case against ‘Octopus’ suspect inadmissible | THE DAILY HERALD

PHILIPSBURG–The Court of First Instance declared the case against suspect in the “Octopus” vote-buying case Widnor Francis “Franky” Brunache inadmissible on Wednesday, at the Prosecutor’s request, because the man is no longer alive. Brunache was shot and killed in front of his house in Hope Estate on January 24, 2017, one day before his 31st birthday.

“Octopus” is the code name for the investigation into fraud committed during the 2014 parliamentary election involving the selling and buying of votes. Former Member of Parliament Silvio Matser is the main suspect in this case (see related story).

Pointe Blanche prison Interim Director Edward Rohan was sentenced on February 21, 2018, to 60 days, 80 of which were suspended, on two years’ probation, as the Court found him guilty of providing Matser with a list of eligible voters within the prison’s confines.

Brunache also was a suspect in the Octopus investigation into the selling and buying of votes in the Pointe Blanche prison during the 2014 election. He allegedly was an intermediary between Matser and prison inmates. They received US $100 in prison canteen money in exchange for a vote for Matser or any other candidate on the United People’s Party’s slate, or promises for business licences and job opportunities.

Brunache had a criminal record dating back to 2009 for drugs and illegal firearm possession. Four of his co-suspects, Matser among them, stood trial on Wednesday, but Brunache’s case was dismissed on the Prosecutor’s request.

The suspects in Brunache’s killing, brothers H.H.M. (23) and H.FG.M. (27), will go on trial for three murders on October 3. They are also suspected of killing Tabeha York and Sabrina Martes in their car in Sucker Garden on January 6, 2017.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80338-case-against-octopus-suspect-inadmissible

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