The man accused of fatally shooting a Tavern Avenue construction worker in Papine in a viral video has been granted bail. The accused, 52-year-old Ishmael Davis, was arrested after shooting 57-year-old Norris Farquharson during a heated dispute in May.
According to reports, Davis must post a $2 million bail to be released from police custody. On Thursday, in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court, Davis learnt the strict conditions of his bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Davis is required to hand over his travel documents, report regularly to the police, and is barred from leaving the country under a stop order.
Reports reveal that Davis is employed by the Jamaica Public Service Company as a material handler. He was charged with murder after a video of him went viral. The Farquharson, said to be a blockmaker and welder, was reportedly once a close acquaintance of Davis.
According to reports, the incident unfolded just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27. It stemmed from a dispute, and during the altercation, Davis allegedly used his licensed firearm to shoot Farquharson twice in the head. When the footage went viral, it garnered backlash from internet users.
However, in court, Davis’s legal team presented alternate video footage showing the confrontation from other angles. According to the defence, which is led by King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie and attorney Samoi Campbell, these recordings show that Davis acted in self-defence. It is alleged that Farquharson withdrew a knife during the altercation before Davis opened fire.
According to a report, one of the clips appears to show Farquharson reaching into his waistband before being shot. A knife was reportedly discovered at the crime scene by the police.
While the video evidence has stirred public debate, the full circumstances leading to the deadly confrontation remain unclear. The case continues to unfold as Davis prepares for his next court session on July 14, 2025.