Squeaky, Louis Richards, Joshua Roach to be sentenced next week

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Louis Richards

Shervin ‘Squeaky’ George, who was convicted of “accessory to murder after the fact” on October 24, 2008, is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday (Nov. 3).

George was jointly charged with William Benjamin for the murder of Michelle Weekes-Benjamin (William’s sister-in-law) but the charge was commuted to “accessory to murder after the fact”.

A 12-member jury found that George had lent a hand to William Benjamin in disposing of Michelle’s body after he (Benjamin) had smothered her to death with a pillow.  A couple of days after she was reported missing, Michelle’s body was found in the septic tank of a building being constructed at Rosemary Lane, Basseterre.

George maintained his innocence throughout the trial and now faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

Joshua Roach, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, is expected to be sentenced on Monday (Dec. 1). On September 29, 2008, the young man was taken before the court where he was to be tried for the murder of Loxley James. 

According to the particulars of that case, on March 10, 2004, James was reportedly at his Challengers home with his daughter when he heard a rap on the door. When he went to find out who was at his door, he was met by three individuals dressed in dark clothing and following a confrontation, James was shot.

As a result of the injury, James lost the fight for his life on December 16, 2004.

When the murder trial against Roach commenced, his lawyer, Hesketh Benjamin had informed that court that his client had a submission to make - a guilty plea to the charge of manslaughter.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) subsequently withdrew the murder charge against Roach and trial Judge, His Lordship Justice Francis ordered a social inquiry report be delivered to the court.

Approximately seven weeks after being found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of Clyde Williams of Old Road, Defence Force soldier Louis Richards is slated to return to court on Thursday, November 4, for his sentencing hearing.

Richards was tried for Williams’ murder and the “wounding with intent” of Addren ‘Addo’ Searles and Jevon ‘Herbie’ Woodley.

Details emanating from the trial were that on the evening of August 3, 2007, Richards was at a bar in Old Road when he was shot by persons he claimed to have seen. After taking cover he returned fire and according to the prosecution’s case, he shot and killed Williams and injured Searles. He then tracked down and shot Woodley after Williams said the alleged assailant made a motion as if waving a fun.

The impaneled jury had dismissed the murder charge and convicted Richards of manslaughter but could not decide on his innocence or guilt relative to the two other charges.

Richards faces the possibility of life imprisonment, the maximum penalty for manslaughter. ~~Adz:Left~~

Squeaky