Deandre Markland, 25, Charged With Murder of Trinidadian Businessman Sterling Francois

A 25-year-old Jamaican has been slapped with a murder charge in connection with the death of Trinidadian businessman Sterling Francois, whose body was found at his Arima home in Trinidad and Tobago last month.

Deandre Markland stood before the Criminal Court on Monday, where the case was adjourned to 30 October for a status hearing.

Police say Francois's bloodied remains were discovered on 20 June after a relative went to the house when repeated calls to him went unanswered.

Investigators claim the businessman came home on the night of 19 June with another man, who was later spotted leaving the property carrying a knapsack.

Officers reported that several items were missing from the scene, including Francois's cellphone, laptop and wallet.

Markland was arrested on 26 June during the homicide probe and was formally charged on 4 July after the Director of Public Prosecutions gave legal advice on the matter.