The Director of Public Prosecutions Office (DPPO) has disclosed that Shantrice Dorset, a 29-year-old Crown Counsel Prosecutor, has been formally charged with multiple offences in connection with the murder of Akeem Archibald, who was fatally shot on 20th July 2024.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adlai Smith expressed regret over one of his office’s Crown Counsel Prosecutors seemingly being complicit in criminal activities but emphasised the DPPO’s commitment to upholding the law.
“The DPPO reiterates its commitment to making an example of those who undermine the sanctity of the justice system by engaging in such unethical practices. The DPPO further reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice, irrespective of the parties involved,” the DPP stated.
The charges against Dorset stem from her alleged involvement in aiding the prime suspect in Archibald’s murder, Kyrhon “Tall-up” Philip, who fled the Federation by sea and remains at large.
After an extensive investigation by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, six charges have been laid against Dorset. The charges are:
- Accessory after the fact to murder.
- Attempting to pervert the course of justice by assisting the fugitive in evading a murder investigation.
- Attempting to pervert the course of justice by aiding the fugitive in avoiding charges for illegal firearm possession.
- Attempting to pervert the course of justice by assisting the fugitive in evading trial for an unrelated attempted murder case.
- Misconduct in public office, leveraging her position as a prosecutor to help the fugitive avoid apprehension.
- Corruption, attempting to use her influence to have the murder weapon surrendered under an amnesty programme.
Additionally, the firearm believed to have been used in the murder has been linked to the fugitive’s relative, B.J. Tuckett, who is currently on remand awaiting trial, according to DPP Smith.
The DPP gave the assurance that his office is committed to ensuring that Dorset receives a fair trial and reminded the public of her presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also issued a stern warning against the spread of rumours and speculation, particularly on social media, that could compromise the fairness of the judicial process.
“Inappropriate comments or speculation on social media or other public platforms could interfere with the ongoing investigation, undermine the fairness of the judicial process, and it could result in legal consequences,” DPP Smith warned.
The DPP also expressed concerns about leaks related to the case and cautioned that law enforcement officers found to be leaking sensitive information would face severe disciplinary and legal consequences.
He took the opportunity to remind citizens of the country’s motto – “Country Above Self” – and urged them to prioritise providing information through official channels rather than social media platforms.
The bombshell disclosure by the DPP comes one day after the Police High Command shared information on crime-fighting and crime-solving gains over the past year, leading to a decline in major crimes, on the media programme In Focus.
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