October Trial Set for Pathway International Church Murder Accused, Andre Ruddock

A trial date of October 22 has been set for Andre Ruddock, who is accused of slashing a female church member’s throat at the former Pathway International Restoration Church in Albion, Montego Bay, St. James. The one-month trial, scheduled to conclude on November 11, was established on Monday after Ruddock, now 39 years old, appeared in court and was remanded into custody.

The Pathway International Restoration Church compound became a ghost town following the brutal murders of two members on Sunday, October 17, 2021. The victims were allegedly killed by Pastor Kevin Smith and Ruddock. Smith died in a motor vehicle accident on October 25, 2021, while being transported to Kingston by police for murder charges.

Smith and Ruddock were to be charged with the double murder of 39-year-old Taneka Gardner and 38-year-old Michael Scott, who were killed during a sacrificial ritual at the church. Following the incident, Smith, Ruddock, and 16 male followers were taken into custody for questioning. Additionally, 31 female members were arrested and charged for breaches of the Disaster Risk Management Act after participating in a large gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic.