Two deny causing public terror in viral videos

Marque Beckford and Ra'Queisha McPhee head to court

Nassau, BAHAMAS-A man and woman who threatened to rob Bahamians in a series of viral social media videos have denied causing public terror.

Ra’Queisha McPhee, 26, and her friend Marque Beckford Jr.,27, made their initial court appearance before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

Prosecutors allege that on April 15 the pair made the online robbery threat due to COVID-19 restrictions on McPhee’s business.

McPhee, who operates a popular taco restaurant, faced another count of causing public terror and obscene and violent language.

Prosecutors allege that on the same date McPhee, while using her cellular phone and the internet, threatened to rob individuals within the community due to COVID-19 restrictions on her business.

Additionally, McPhee is accused of using obscene and violent language to provoke Beckford to breach the peace.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Kenny Thompson, did not object to bail.

The magistrate set bail at $1,000 each with a surety. As a condition of bail, the accused are barred from associating with each other and their movements will be tracked by an ankle bracelet.

However, their sureties were unable to post bail before the court closed.

As a result, they were remanded to prison.

McPhee and Beckford next return to court on October 6 for trial.