A 25-year-old Jamaican national has appeared before the High Court in Trinidad and Tobago charged with the murder of businessman Sterling Francois, whose body was found at his home in the eastern community of D’Abadie last month.

Deandre Markland, who lives in the Arima district, appeared before Master Lisa Singh-Phillip on Monday.

The matter was adjourned to October 30 for a status hearing.
Francois, 45, was found dead at his residence on June 20.

Police said Markland was arrested in Arima on June 26 as detectives continued their investigation.

He was formally charged on July 4 after legal advice was received from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The charge was laid by officers attached to the Homicide Bureau of Investigations, which is continuing enquiries into the case.