January 31, 2025 trial date set in ‘Slickianna’ murder case

A new trial date of January 31, 2025, has been set for Rushawn Patterson, who faces charges in connection with the October 2022 murder of social media influencer Aneika ‘Slickianna’ Townsend.

The decision was made during Patterson’s appearance at the St. James Circuit Court on Thursday. The court heard that while the postmortem report is now available, a crucial DNA report remains outstanding. In light of this, the Crown requested the January date, which was granted by Supreme Court Judge Bertram Morrison. Patterson’s bail was also extended during the proceedings. Representing Patterson in court was Senator Charles Sinclair, standing in for his attorney Dionne Mayler Barrett, who was absent.

The case had previously been delayed on October 18 when all scheduled cases were unexpectedly brought forward a day earlier, setting the stage for Thursday’s hearing. Delays in the case have largely been attributed to the pending postmortem and DNA reports, which had previously caused an adjournment on September 23. Once all outstanding reports are submitted, a trial date is expected to be finalized.