🔨 Murder suspect vehemently denies charges in court

Roland Murphy Welcome, 33, and Antascio Rankin, 29, appeared in court via video link, pleading not guilty to the murder of Sven Brett Connor, 42, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm. The murder, which took place in East End in December, is believed to have been a gang-related shooting. Welcome, who initially refused to appear by video link, vehemently denied the charges, repeatedly yelling, "It's a lie!" before his attorney entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf.🔫

Rankin also pleaded not guilty to both charges. Both men, along with at least one other person who has not yet been apprehended, are accused of gunning down Connor at his home in Fiddlers Way. A three-week trial has been scheduled for August, and both men were remanded in custody until that date. The court also heard that the crown will be applying to have one of their witnesses appear anonymously.⚖️