Beachy Stout's trial for first wife’s murder pushed back to 2027

The second murder trial of businessman Everton 'Beachy Stout' McDonald has been postponed until January 27, 2027.

The 72-year-old is charged with the May 2, 2009 murder of his first wife, Merlene 'Petal' McDonald, who was shot dead outside her home in Boundbrook, Portland.

It is alleged that McDonald, who is currently serving a life sentence for his second wife's murder, hired a police detective to carry out the killing following the breakdown of their marriage.

When the matter came up for mention in the Home Circuit Court on Monday before Justice Leighton Pusey, the Crown requested an adjournment to facilitate the service of documents linked to an application seeking to have statements from now-deceased witnesses admitted into evidence.

Prosecutors also indicated their intention to amend the list of witnesses on the indictment. The defence objected, and the issue is set to be heard on May 15, 2026.

McDonald is represented by attorneys Monique Scott, Anna-Kaye Scott-James, and John Jacobs.

In September 2024, McDonald was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his second wife Toni-Ann.

His co-accused, Oscar Barnes, who was contracted to carry out that killing, was also sentenced to life imprisonment.

Both men are required to serve 28 years and 11 months before becoming eligible for parole.

The 32-year-old woman's partially burnt body was found on a deserted road in Sherwood Forest in Portland in July 2020.

It had nine stab wounds and the throat was slashed.

- Tanesha Mundle

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