Yahneake Sterling, Staff ReporterEIGHTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD retired lecturer and world renowned botanist, George Proctor, along with an accused contract killer, spent another night in jail yesterday after being held in connection with an alleged attempt to murder his wife.
Proctor, a United States national residing in Jamaica for the past 57 years, was nabbed by members of Operation Kingfish at the Norman Manley International Airport on Thursday while attempting to leave the island.
Proctor is a former lecturer in the Life Sciences Department at the University of the West Indies and the National History Division of the Institute of Jamaica.
HELD ON THE CHARGES
He is being held, along with Glenford Flemington, who he allegedly paid $90,000 to commit the murder. Proctor is being held on the charges of conspiracy to murder and incitement to murder
Reports from the police are that Flemington was given the keys to Proctor's Stanton Terrace home in addition to the cash. The murder should have taken place between April 20 and 27 while Proctor was off the island.
However, members of Operation Kingfish launched an investigation into the matter after being tipped off about the plot.
The police have reported that a round-the-clock surveillance was set up while they gathered additional information. Flemington was accosted while on his way to commit the murder.
The lawmen are still investigating the matter to determine the motives behind the alleged attempted murder. Up to 6:00 p.m. yesterday, when The Gleaner contacted Operation Kingfish, the men were yet to be charged.
Proctor has been instrumental in identifying Jamaica's endemic species of flora and fauna. He conducted research in areas such as the Blue Mountains, the Dolphin Mountains as well as the Cockpit Country.
