Jelani Duncan and Tabari Roberts Receive Prison Sentences

On December 19, 2024, the High Court in Charlestown, Nevis, delivered sentences to Jelani Duncan and Tabari Roberts for their involvement in the tragic shooting deaths of Lamonte Heyliger and Jahquan Merritt. This case stems from a violent incident that occurred on January 11, 2021, at Lower Thibou Avenue in McKnight, St. Kitts. The court proceedings, presided over by His Lordship Justice Patrick Thompson Jr., culminated in significant prison terms for both defendants.

Jelani Duncan, a 27-year-old resident of Cabbage Tree, Cayon, was sentenced to 29 years imprisonment for the offense of Manslaughter. Duncan had already spent a considerable amount of time in pre-trial detention, totaling two years, ten months, and twenty-two days. This period of remand was subtracted from his overall sentence in accordance with established sentencing guidelines. Therefore, his effective prison term will be reduced by the time already served.

Tabari Roberts, a 37-year-old from Lower Thibou Avenue, McKnight, received a slightly longer sentence of 30 years for Manslaughter due to Provocation. The court acknowledged a mitigating factor in Roberts’ case, recognizing that the offense was committed under circumstances of provocation. Similar to Duncan, Roberts had also served time on remand—three years, eleven months, and eight days—which was deducted from his 30-year sentence.

The details surrounding the events of January 11, 2021, that led to the deaths of Heyliger and Merritt, residents of Shear Lane and Fort Thomas Road in McKnight respectively, were not explicitly revealed in the provided information. However, the court’s determination of manslaughter suggests that the killings were not premeditated, but rather occurred in the heat of the moment or under circumstances that diminished the defendants’ culpability, particularly in the case of Roberts.

This case highlights the complex nature of criminal justice, where factors such as intent, premeditation, and provocation play crucial roles in determining the appropriate legal consequences. The varying sentences handed down to Duncan and Roberts reflect the court’s consideration of these factors, ultimately leading to distinct penalties despite both being convicted of manslaughter. The difference in sentencing, though relatively small, suggests a nuanced assessment of each defendant’s role and culpability in the tragic events.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force expressed their gratitude to the public for their cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation, underscoring the importance of community involvement in bringing such cases to a resolution. The successful prosecution of Duncan and Roberts, culminating in their respective sentences, signifies the commitment of law enforcement and the judicial system to upholding justice and ensuring accountability for violent crimes. While the details of the incident remain undisclosed, the outcome provides a measure of closure for the families and community affected by the loss of Lamonte Heyliger and Jahquan Merritt.