Andre Ruddock found guilty of woman’s murder during ritual at a church in St. James in 2021

November 9, 2026

A Home Circuit Court jury has found Andre Ruddock guilty of murder, in relation to the death of a woman during a ritual at a church in St. James five years ago.

Thirty-six-year-old Ruddock was charged with the murder of 39-year-old Taneka Gardner, whose throat was slashed at a gathering at the Pathways International Kingdom Ministries in St James on October 17, 2021.

The crown had alleged that Ruddock slashed Gardener’s throat on the instruction of then Pastor Kevin Smith and that he gave a caution statement .

Smith was arrested in connection with Gardner’s murder, but he died in a motor vehicle accident in Bog Walk, St Catherine in 2021. He was being transported by the police to Kingston for interrogation.

Senior Defence Counsel Anthony Williams argued against the allegations in what he described as a tough case.

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He said the defence was very optimistic that there would have been a not guilty verdict, as they discredited key witnesses. 

He indicated that Ruddock maintains his innocence.

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Mr. Williams has indicated that an appeal will be filed.

Sentencing is scheduled for next year January.