Guilty verdict in Castries triple killing; sentencing set for January 2027

A jury has found Marvin Gabriel, Junior Herman and Shem Bennett guilty of the 2022 murders of Samantha Eugene, Constant Thomas and Elisha Thomas in Castries. The unanimous verdict came on October 23 after a trial that opened in July. The three defendants will face sentencing on January 21, 2027, according to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

The victims died in an assault that took place between late on February 22 and early on February 23, 2022, at La Toc Road. Samantha and Constant were discovered along a narrow footpath, both bound and gagged, each killed by gunshot. Elisha sustained multiple stab injuries, was hospitalised, and died from those wounds on March 12.

Gabiel and Herman faced charges beginning in October 2022. Bennett's charges came 10 months later. All three remain held at Bordelais Correctional Facility as they await sentencing.

Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police Luke Joseph marked the conviction as a significant development at a police press conference Thursday. He noted the toll the killings have taken on the families involved. Joseph stated that the convictions would "hopefully provide some measure of comfort and closure to the bereaved families", while acknowledging that "no outcome can ever truly replace their loved ones or erase the grief that they have experienced". He also praised the work of investigators and others involved in bringing the case to its conclusion.