The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has indicated that it will be seeking the death penalty against Rushane Barnett, the 23-year-old man charged with five counts of murder, arising from the gruesome killing of Kemisha Wright and her four children.
The murder of the mother and her four children occurred in Coco Piece, Clarendon last Tuesday.
Barnett, during his appearance in the Home Circuit Court on Tuesday, had the notice served on him by prosecutors.
The DPP gave its reasons, in a statement, why the death penalty notice has been served.
The case has been set for motion on Friday, July 22, for legal aid representation to be settled for Barnett.
Outstanding reports, including a psychiatric evaluation is to be submitted, and disclosure of all the material to the defence made, the DPP said.
The killing of the family of five – Kemisha Wright and her four children Kimanda Smith, 15; Shara-Lee Smith, 10; Rafaella Smith, 5; and Kishaun Henry, a 23-month-old boy – has left the entire country outraged.
Residents discovered the victims with several stab wounds and their throats slashed.
It is alleged that Barnett and Wright were involved in frequent arguments.
Barnett had reportedly fled Trelawny after he was said to have been involved in lotto scamming.
He was also charged for unlawful wounding by the police in relation to the injuring of his father during previous altercations.
However, his father withdrew those charges.
