Ison St. John

(PRESS RELEASE) — On Thursday, September 19, 2019, 23-year-old, Andris Charles of L’Esperance, Fond St. Jacques, Soufriere was arrested and charged for causing the death of 37-year-old Ison St. John.

The incident occurred on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at about 1:45 a.m. at Fond St. Jacques, Soufriere. John sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during a robbery at a business in Soufriere.

Charles, who was also charged for the offence of robbery, was escorted to the Second District Court where he was remanded into custody until October 9, 2019.

The Royal St. Lucia Police Force wishes to express gratitude to all the members of the public who assisted in bringing about a resolution in this matter.

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Botham Jean’s mother Allison Jean in court after the verdict was read out. Photograph: Tom Fox/AP

(CNN) — Allison Jean was first to take the stand at Amber Guyger’s sentencing hearing Tuesday afternoon, fighting back tears as she described the day she learned her son had been fatally shot.

“I was in New York with my daughter at 12:13 a.m. on September 7th when she came to inform me that she had gotten a call and that somebody told her that Botham was shot, that he died,” she said.

“My life has not been the same,” she said. “It’s just been like a roller coaster.”

Wearing red — her son’s favorite color — Allison Jean testified hours after a Dallas jury found Guyger guilty of murder. Guyger fatally shot Botham, her unarmed neighbor, in his own apartment, which she said she mistook for hers.

Allison Jean talked about how Botham — the middle child — was “the glue” that brought her three children together. She smiled as she was shown photo of her son.

She was mostly composed and spoke proudly of her son and how, at age 11, he ranked 23 out of about 4,000 students on the island of St. Lucia who took a selective high school entrance exam.

“We have a simple life, one of faith and that’s how we raised our children,” she said, adding that she has been married 30 years.

Allison Jean said she would have preferred that Botham remained at home for his studies, but he wanted to attend Harding University, a private Christian school in Arkansas where became president of the student council, sang in a choir and led community service missions with other students to the island. She described him as loving and giving and passionate about helping others.

‘A signal that the tide is going to change’

Guyger, who is white, testified that after working long hours on September 6, 2018, she returned to her Dallas apartment complex and approached what she thought was her apartment. She noticed the door was partially open, saw a man inside who she believed to be an intruder, and fired her service weapon.

It turned out she was at the apartment directly above hers — which belonged to the 26-year-old Jean, who was black. Prosecutors said Jean had been on the couch in his shorts, watching TV and eating vanilla ice cream when Guyger walked in.

Though the topic of race did not figure prominently in the trial itself, outside the courtroom, Jean’s case became a focal point in the national conversation on policing and the threat of violence people of color face in daily life.
Earlier Tuesday, after deliberating less than 24 hours, the jury reached a verdict.

Judge Tammy Kemp asked Guyger and her lawyers to stand as she delivered it. “We the jury unanimously find the defendant, Amber Guyger, guilty of murder as charged in the indictment,” Kemp read, as a shriek and hand clap could be heard.

Jean’s mother briefly threw both arms in the air. Another woman who started to shout in praise was chastised by a court officer. Members of Jean’s family sobbed. There were hugs among family members and prosecutors after the jury left the courtroom.

With the murder conviction, Guyger, 31, now faces up to life in prison. The former officer, her head down, wept at the defense table. Her mother broke down in the courtroom.

When the courtroom doors opened, applause and cheers erupted in the corridors. Some cried on hallway benches and shouts of “Guilty! Guilty!” and “Black lives matter!” could be heard.

Outside court later, S. Lee Merritt, an attorney for Jean’s family, called the rare murder conviction against a police officer a “huge victory” not only for the victim’s family but also “for black people in America.”

“It’s a signal that the tide is going to change here,” he told reporters. “Police officers are going to be held accountable for their actions and we believe that will begin to change policing culture all over the world.”

Another family attorney, Benjamin Crump, cited the names of numerous unarmed African Americans who have died at the hands of police.

“For so many unarmed black and brown human beings all across America, this verdict is for them,” he said.

The Jean family would have no comment until after testifying at the sentencing phase later Tuesday, the attorneys said.

‘I wish he was the one with the gun’

In uniform but off duty, Guyger testified last week that she wanted to “find the threat” after hearing movement in her apartment. She said she saw the silhouette of a man and demanded to see his hands. He approached in a “fast-paced walk,” she added, and she fired two shots at what she believed to be an intruder.

Prosecutor Jason Hermus told jurors that the trajectory of the bullet suggests Jean was getting up from a chair when Guyger fired, or he was on his knees, trying to hide from her. Experts have been unable to determine Jean’s exact position when he was shot.

One bullet struck and killed Jean. A medical examiner testified the bullet entered just above Jean’s upper left nipple and traveled downward, damaging his heart and several other major organs before landing in his psoas muscle.

“I ask God for forgiveness, and I hate myself every single day,” Guyger told the jury, her voice shaking. “I wish he was the one with the gun who had killed me. I never wanted to take an innocent person’s life.”

Guyger was distracted that night, prosecutors argued, texting with her married police partner, with whom she had had sexual relations. They said she missed numerous signs in the hallway leading up to Jean’s apartment indicating she was on the wrong floor.

Hermus also criticized Guyger for entering the apartment rather than backing away and seeking cover or calling for assistance over her police radio. He argued she did not render enough first aid to Jean.

“When you aimed and pulled the trigger at Mr. Jean, shooting him in center mass exactly where you are trained, you intended to kill Mr. Jean,” Hermus said.

“I did,” Guyger said.

On the phone with a 911 operator that night, Guyger said 19 times she thought she had been in her apartment. Guyger said she performed a “little” CPR and a sternum rub on Jean.

Hermus pointed out she never used first aid supplies from her backpack. Guyger testified her mind was racing while on the phone with a 911 operator. She said it didn’t cross her mind that she had first aid supplies.

Texas Ranger David Armstrong, the lead investigator, said in court last week — while the jury was not in the room — that he believed Guyger’s actions were reasonable and that she did not commit murder, nor manslaughter or criminally negligent manslaughter. The judge would not allow him to offer his opinion before the jury.

Guyger was initially charged with manslaughter in September 2018, but a grand jury later indicted her on a murder charge. The Dallas Police Department fired Guyger.

The trial was laced with dramatic, emotional moments, as attorneys played graphic body cam footage of police trying to resuscitate Jean and read explicit sexual messages between Guyger and her police partner.

The castle doctrine and closing arguments

After six days of witness testimony, the prosecution and defense teams rested Monday morning, then presented two hours of closing arguments. Prosecutors leaned heavily on their emotional appeal, while the defense urged the jury to use discipline and focus on the law.

In a significant move, the judge allowed Guyger’s attorneys to argue the so-called castle doctrine — or stand your ground laws — as part of their defense, since Guyger believed she was in her own apartment. Guyger’s actions were reasonable, defense attorneys said, and any ordinary person could have made the same mistake in a similar situation.

Defense attorney Toby Shook urged jurors to look at the case “calmly” and not decide on emotion, sympathy, or public pressure. “But you have to use the discipline not to do that,” he said.

“That’s hard, especially in a case like this,” he added. “You’ll never see a case like this, that’s so tragic. So tragic. It’s hard to do as jurors. Who would not have sympathy for Botham Jean? Wonderful human being — died in these horrible, tragic circumstances.”

Prosecutors argued self-defense did not apply because Guyger was not in her home. She acted disproportionately, prosecutors said, and had less lethal options available, like using her stun gun or mace.

“Self-defense is an option of last resort. She killed him unreasonably and unjustifiably,” said Hermus.

The self defense argument should apply to Jean, not Guyger, they said. “It’s not her apartment. There was not force. It’s not occupied. She doesn’t need castle doctrine,” said Assistant District Attorney Jason Fine. “No. This law is not in place for her, it’s in place for Bo.”

Hermus, in closing arguments, walked up to Guyger in her seat, pointed and looked her in the eye, and urged the jury to tell her: “You will be held responsible for what you did and whether or not you want to accept responsibility, it will be forced upon you.

“And by God in Dallas County, Texas,” he continued, “there will be a consequence for you walking in and shooting an unarmed, defenseless man.”

CNN’s Darran Simon contributed to this report.

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Cletus Hippolyte, aka ‘Banana Split’

An elderly Gros Islet man has been reported missing.

Relatives say 83-year-old Cletus Hippolyte, also known as ‘ Banana Split’, was last seen in the Gros-Islet area between Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27.

According to reports, Hippolyte, who lives alone, has gone missing for the first time.

One relative stated on social media that she last saw him leaving the Gros Islet bus stand on Thursday afternoon, September 26.

A missing person’s report was filed with the police, according to reports.

Relatives are asking anyone who sees him to contact the Gros Islet Police Station or call any of the following numbers: 712-5603, 716-9054, 484-1831, 721-7500.

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Guyger (left) and King Jr.

(NEW YORK POST) — The white, former Dallas cop who murdered an unarmed, black neighbor, joked about Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination while working security at a parade in his honor last year, prosecutors revealed Tuesday.

“When does this end lol,” a friend identified only as “Blevins” texted Amber Guyger on Jan. 15, 2018, according to a screenshot posted on Twitter.

“When MLK is dead… oh wait….” Guyger texted back.

Both messages were deleted from Guyger’s phone, but later recovered by authorities, notations on the evidence show.

Guyger also complained that the Dallas parade was “going on 3 hours” and suggested, “Just push them or spray…in that general direction,” the texts show.

Another text exchange, with her former police partner and extramarital lover, Martin Rivera, shows Guyger criticizing black cops.

“Damn I was at this area with 5 different black officers!!! Not racist but damn,” Rivera wrote on March 9, 2018.

“Not racist but just have a different way of working and it shows,” Gugyer wrote back.

Those messages were also deleted from her phone.

The texts were shown to jurors during the sentencing phase of Guyger’s trial following her conviction earlier Tuesday in the Sept. 6, 2018, shooting of Botham Jean, 26, who lived in a fourth-floor apartment directly above hers.

Guyger, 31, faces a maximum 99 years in prison.

Guyger claimed that she mistook Jean’s apartment as her own following a 15-hour tour of duty, and shot him while he was eating a bowl of ice cream because she thought he was an intruder.

Prosecutors said that Guyger didn’t realize where she was because she was sexting with Rivera, and should have called for backup instead of entering when she found the apartment door unlocked.

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Amber Guyger

(WFAA) — Prosecutors showed jurors racist and violent texts and social media posts linked to former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger as the sentencing phase began Tuesday afternoon.

Following the Tuesday morning guilty verdict, the jury returned to the courtroom early in the afternoon.

Text and social media

Jurors paid rapt attention as prosecutors displayed texts by Guyger.

The first text message thread presented to the jury was from Jan. 15, 2018 during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade in Dallas.

“When does this end lol,” read a text to Guyger.

“When MLK is dead… oh wait…” she responded.

“Just push them… or spray your pepper spray in that general area,” she said in a text while discussing the crowd at the parade.

In another text exchange, from Sept. 4, 2018, someone texted Guyger that she should adopt a German Shepherd.

“Although she may be racist,” the dog’s owner messaged Guyger.

“It’s okay.. I’m the same,” Guyger responded.

“I hate everything and everyone but y’all,” she later messaged in the same thread.

The state also showed the jury a text message exchange between Guyger and her ex-lover and police partner, Officer Martin Rivera, that took place on March 9, 2018.

“Damn I was at this area with 5 different black officers !!! Not racist but damn,” he said.

“Not racist but just have a different way of working and it shows,” she replied.

Prosecutors also showed jurors three Pinterest posts found on Guyger’s account.

One image saved by Guyger shows a military sniper with overlaid text that reads: “Stay low, go fast; kill first, die last; one shot, one kill; no luck, all skill.”

Another post saved by Guyger reads: “I wear all black to remind you not to mess with me, because I’m already dressed for your funeral.”

She also made a comment underneath in which she said she had a gun, shovel and gloves.

“Yah I got meh a gun a shovel an gloves if i were u back da f— up and get out of meh f—ing a–,” the comment reads.

“People are so ungrateful,” Guyger commented under a post of a Minion character from “Despicable Me” with the text, “No one ever thanks me for having the patience not to kill them.”

Guyger’s attorneys objected to the prosecution showing jurors the texts and online posts, arguing that they would unfairly sway the jury while they consider her sentence.

After reviewing the material, Judge Tammy Kemp overruled their objection.

Jurors craned their necks to get a view of the screen as the prosecution displayed the evidence Tuesday afternoon. But Guyger looked straight ahead and did not visibly acknowledge the jury.

Allison Jean takes the stand

Jurors reacted with warmth and occasional laughter as Jean’s mother, Allison Jean, took the stand and talked about her son.

She shared how close he was to his family and discussed his deep Christian faith and love of singing and religious charity and missionary work.

Allison Jean said her son excelled at his job as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers, known as PwC, in Dallas.

“My life has not been the same,” his mother said as she talked about life since her son’s death.“It’s been a roller coaster. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat.”

Guyger’s defense team is expected to call witnesses Wednesday when the sentencing hearing resumes.

Jurors will remain sequestered at a local hotel until they decide on Guyger’s sentence, which can range from five to 99 years.

At the end of the day Tuesday, Guyger was taken into custody outside the presence of the jury. Kemp ordered the courtroom cleared and the live video feed cut before deputies arrested her.

Guyger, who isn’t allowed an appeal bond, was later booked into the Dallas County jail, where she will remain.

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Onstage, Botham’s brother, Brandt Jean, showed none of the nervousness he claimed to be feeling when he began his speech* Photo by Nicholas Bostick

(DALLAS OBSERVER) — Friends and family, politicians both foreign and domestic, as well as supporters of every stripe, all donned the color red and converged on the Renaissance Dallas Hotel on what would have been Botham Jean’s 28th birthday. Red was his favorite color.

“He lived his life in such a way that he still has a lasting impact on us because we’re still singing the songs that Botham taught us,” the Rev. Sammie Berry said Sunday evening during the inaugural “Red Tie” fundraiser in support of the Botham Jean Foundation.

The foundation was set up in order to continue supporting the charitable causes the 27-year-old St. Lucia native championed in life. The event was a refreshing celebration amidst a tragic story featuring live performances from local musicians Richmond Punch and Terri Jackson, as well as countless remembrances from those who held Botham close to heart.

“Botham, he was the reason I did all the things, he’s the reason I’ve been working so hard this year on my engineering career, he’s the reason I started going to the gym, he’s the reason I love Whataburger,” Brandt Jean, Botham’s brother, said in a speech that was part stand-up routine, part eulogy. “He made me the best person I could be. He makes me right now want to be better and I couldn’t ask for any other brother. I’m just thankful that he was able to influence other people than me and because of it we’re here today. If it wasn’t for the things he did, we wouldn’t have anything to appreciate right now.”

Since its inception earlier this year, the Botham Jean Foundation has already provided scholarships to local students, funding for children and adolescent social services in St. Lucia, and in May Botham’s mother, Allison Jean, pledged to cover funeral expenses for Pamela Turner, a Texas woman who was killed in an altercation with police. Near the end of the evening, Shaun King, a political activist and journalist, stated the event’s fundraising goal matter-of-factly. Onstage, he told the crowd he was asked to raise $50,000.

“I got a return ticket back to Brooklyn. So I’m leaving tomorrow, but I’m not leaving until we raise the $50,000. I’m not going to ask people to lock the doors, that is a thing,” Shaun King said, eliciting laughter from some in the crowd. “I would say this [however], many of us speak about the change we want and I believe we want, but in the Bible it says where your treasure is, where your money is, there your heart is also. So I’m just saying that your heart for change has to match your budget for change. And if you don’t have a budget for it, I question whether or not you have the heart for it.“

Shaun then apologized before telling the entire ballroom to take out their phones and pull up the donations page of the Botham Jean Foundation website. He then began asking people to raise their hands and contribute tier by tier, requesting donations from $10,000 and $500 until the goal was reached. The high-pressure tactic was seemingly ill-advised amidst allegations made in September concerning Shaun’s fundraising history (to which he has responded.) Nevertheless, Botham’s death has undeniably sent ripples through communities in Dallas and beyond.

Stephenson King, former Prime Minister of St. Lucia and no relation to Shaun King, was in attendance as well. Botham’s mother worked with Stephenson King during his term in office, while acting as St. Lucia’s permanent secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Port Services & Transport. He says he came to the event to fulfill a promise made to Allison.

“I believe St. Lucia gave to this country a young man of dedication and commitment to serve people not only of St. Lucia but people of the world,” Stephenson King said. “St. Lucia gave a son to this country, St. Lucia gave a brother to this country, St. Lucia gave a leader to this country, St. Lucia gave a potential prime minister to this country, they took his life. And so I join Allison in saying let us transform pain to power. Let us join her in her efforts to bring consciousness of mutual respect, mutual love and peace to all on the surface of this world.”

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(WFAA) — After Amber Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison, victim impact statements took place in the courtroom.

Botham Jean’s brother Brandt went first, speaking about his brother.

“If you truly are sorry, I know I can speak for myself, I forgive you. I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you,” said Brandt Jean.

Following his speech, Brandt Jean asked Judge Tammy Kemp if he could give Guyger a hug.

They hold each other while audibly crying for about a full minute, hug each other multiple times and share a few words together.

Shortly after they embraced, Judge Tammy Kemp came off the bench to speak to Guyger and gave her the gift of a Bible. The judge and Guyger also shared a hug following that moment.

Then Judge Kemp visited with Botham Jean’s family, sharing hugs and quiet words on the side of the courtroom.

Here’s more of Brandt Jean’s statement:

“If you truly are sorry, I can speak for myself, I forgive and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you. And I don’t think anyone can say it, again I’m speaking for myself… but I love you just like anyone else. And I’m not gonna say I hope you rot and die just like my brother did but I presently want the best for you. And I wasn’t going to ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don’t even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that’s exactly what Botham would want you to do. And the best would be to give your life to Christ. I’m not going to say anything else. I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do. Again I love you as a person and I don’t wish anything bad on you. I don’t know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug, please? Please?”

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Amber Guyger

Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally shooting her unarmed neighbour Botham Jean in his own apartment last year.

The jury began deliberating the sentence just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday after hearing tearful testimony from the people who knew Jean best, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Guyger, 31, was on Tuesday found guilty of murder after the jury deliberated for some five hours.

The fired cop had faced between five and 99 years or life in prison.

Guyger was convicted for fatally shooting Jean in his own apartment in September 2018.

She claimed she mistook the St. Lucia native’s apartment for hers. The ex-cop also claimed she thought Jean was a burglar and testified that she was fearful of her life the moment she saw a silhouette of someone in the apartment.

This story will be continuously updated.

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Botham Jean (left) and OECS Director General Didacus Jules

Below is a statement from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) on the Botham Jean trial verdict

Wednesday, October 2, 2019 — Roughly one year since our Caribbean community was shaken by the devastating news of the untimely and seemingly senseless murder of Saint Lucian national Botham Shem Jean, the state of Texas has delivered some degree of justice to Botham’s family.

Amber Guyger, a former officer of the Dallas City Police, who shot and killed 26-year-old Botham Jean while in the comfort of his own home, was found guilty of murder on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, and sentenced to 10 years in prison today, Wednesday, October 2, 2019.

Speaking from the headquarters of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Saint Lucia on Tuesday, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules expressed mixed emotions surrounding the verdict.

“The tragedy of Botham’s death struck the core of our community, not only in Saint Lucia but throughout our region and in the Diaspora.”

“While we acknowledge this sliver of justice that was served today, we continue to mourn with Botham’s family the loss of a promising son of our soil,” Dr. Jules commented.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and then Chairman of the OECS, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, called on the authorities in the state of Texas and elsewhere in the United States of America to work to ensure that justice prevails.

“We wish to make it clear that our small size or perceived ranking in global affairs should not lead to false assumptions or conclusions about the strength of our resolve and determination in the fight for justice,” Prime Minister Gonsalves asserted.

The governments and people of our region, within the OECS and beyond, continue to stand in firm solidarity with Botham Shem Jean’s family as they continue on their quest for healing and closure.

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Judge Kemp hugging Amber Guyger before giving her the bible/

(DAILY MAIL) — A non-profit group that aims to ‘promote the separation of state and church’ has filed a complaint with the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct against the judge in the Amber Guyger trial.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation claimed that State District Judge Tammy Kemp ‘inappropriately proselytized’ to the defendant when giving the convicted murderer a personalized bible during sentencing.

Judge Kemp was the presiding judge in the case for the former Dallas police officer who was convicted for fatally shooting Botham Jean in his own home on Wednesday.

The non-profit stated in the Thursday filing that the judge violated the ‘constitutional principle’ when she ‘gifted a Christian bible, instructing the convicted criminal on how to read the bible and which passages to pay attention to, and witnessing to that convicted murderer.’

‘These proselytizing actions overstepped judicial authority, were inappropriate and were unconstitutional,’ the Wisconsin-based organization added.

FFRF cited courtroom video that shows the four-minute exchange between the judge – who is black – and Guyger after the convicted killer was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Kemp could be seen hugging the woman before handing her the book.

The non-profit acknowledged that the moment was ’emotional’, even highlighting that the victim’s 18-year-old brother – Brandt Jean- hugged the former police officer after the sentencing.

‘It is perfectly acceptable for private citizens to express their religious beliefs in court, but the rules are different for those acting in a governmental role,’ FFRF asserted.

FFRF did share their belief that the justice system needs more compassion but added that this particular instance showed more ‘coercion’ than compassion.

‘There can be few relationships more coercive than a sentencing judge in a criminal trial and a citizen accused and convicted of a crime,’ the organization added.

FFRF asserted that Guyger’s religious affiliation didn’t matter, even if she identified as a Christian, as Judge Kemp was still ‘acting in her official governmental capacity.’

‘The U.S. Supreme Court has said time and again that the First Amendment “mandates governmental neutrality between religion and religion, and between religion and nonreligion,'” the non-profit declared, citing multiple cases where the decision was found.

They continued: ‘In their personal capacity, citizens may freely worship and exercise their religious beliefs in any way they see fit. In their official capacity as government officials, they are bound by the Establishment Clause.’

FFRF expressed that their issue was not with Kemp’s religious belief but with her proclamation of them during her role overseeing the trial.

The non-profit explained: ‘She was in a government courtroom, dressed in a judicial robe, with all of the imprimatur of the state, including armed law enforcement officers, preaching to someone who was quite literally a captive audience, and even instructing her on which bible verses to read!

‘The judicial office, title, trappings, and power belong to “We the People,” not to the office’s temporary occupant. Delivering bibles and personally witnessing as a judge is an egregious abuse of power.

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(ABC13) — The brother of Botham Jean spoke to “Good Morning America” about his courtroom hug with former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger and why he chose to forgive her.

Guyger shot and killed Botham Jean when she walked into the wrong apartment.

When asked what compelled him to hug and forgive her, right there in the courtroom, Brandt Jean said, “I knew that, I just told her, that I forgave. And with usual instances… the words only, they mean something. But I felt like that wasn’t enough… that was just my gesture, my decision of letting her know that I truly forgive her.”

“If you are trying to forgive her, understand that she is a human being. She still deserves love. She made a mistake that she probably truly regrets, so if you want to forgive her, just understand that God forgave you. And I know that every time I ask God for forgiveness, he forgives me. So who am I to not forgive someone who asks. I waited one year to hear ‘I’m sorry’ and I’m grateful for that. And it’s why I forgive her.”

Guyger was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

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(DALLAS MORNING NEWS) —

A key witness in Amber Guyger’s murder trial was shot and killed Friday evening at an apartment complex near Dallas’ Medical District, authorities said.

Joshua Brown, a neighbor of Botham Jean’s and Guyger at the South Side Flats apartments, was slain about 10:30 p.m. in the 4600 block of Cedar Springs Road.

Brown, 28, lived across the hall from Jean and testified about the night he was killed.

Dallas County prosecutor Jason Hermus, the lead prosecutor in the Guyger case, said Saturday that Brown stood up at a time when others won’t say what they know.

“He bravely came forward to testify when others wouldn’t, ” Hermus said. “If we had more people like him, we would have a better world.”

On Friday night, several witnesses flagged down police and directed them to Brown’s location. Police found him on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Witnesses told police they heard several gunshots and saw a silver four-door sedan speeding out of the parking lot.

No suspect description had been released.

On the night of Sept. 6, 2018, Brown was in the hallway on the fourth floor of the Cedars apartment building, where he and Jean lived, when he heard what he thought sounded like “two people meeting by surprise.”

He testified that he couldn’t make out what they were saying and they were speaking at the same time. And then he heard two gunshots.

Guyger, who was off-duty but in uniform when she shot Jean, was convicted Tuesday of murder. On Wednesday, the jury sentenced her to 10 years in prison.

Brown testified that he had met Jean for the first time the day he was killed. They had just a brief conversation in the hallway.

But, Brown said, he did hear Jean from time to time. He wept on the stand while recounting hearing his neighbor’s voice through the door.

“I heard him singing,” Brown said. Gospel music. Drake.

Lee Merritt, a civil rights attorney who represents the Jean family, called Brown a “former athlete turned entrepreneur” whose slaying “underscores the reality of the black experience in America.”

“Brown lived in constant fear that he could be the next victim of gun violence,” Merritt wrote on Facebook. “Brown deserves the same justice he sought to ensure the Jean family.”

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A man has been shot dead in Vieux Fort, in the vicinity of S&S, according to police.

The victim, so far known as ‘Short Man’ and ‘Lawrence’, sustained multiple gunshot wounds, police and witness reports indicate.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m.

The suspect was reportedly seen running towards the market after shooting ‘Short Man’ who worked as a security and handyman.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately clear.

We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.

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Homicide victim in Vieux Fort

A video of the aftermath of Saturday evening’s shooting in the town of Vieux Fort which led to the death of a man has emerged on social media. SEE VIDEO BELOW STORY (viewer discretion is advised)

The video, which is two and a half minutes long, shows the victim, identified by relatives as 50-year-old Lawrence Marcellin, also known as ‘Short Man’, bleeding and rolling himself over.

Persons can be heard arguing over getting medical help for the dying man. Some persons were just curious, taking glimpses of the victim as he writhes in pain. Others take photos and videos.

A relative expressed concern that no one was coming to aid as he rolled on the ground.

According to reports, Marcellin was eventually transported via ambulance to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. near S&S.

Details about the shooting are still sketchy but reports are that Marcellin was shot whilst being robbed of monies he was allegedly transporting from one business to another.

At the time of his death, he was employed by Shernell’s Pizza Parlour where he did security and handyman tasks.

He was originally from Choiseul but had been living in Vieux Fort for many years, relatives say.

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Saint Lucia’s latest homicide has been described by persons who knew the victim as another senseless killing.

“Oh Lord what a waste of a human being, to shoot the guy for what?” one person wrote on Facebook. “Lawrence was such a good person. Only a coward would do something like this… so upset right now…rip my friend.”

Lawrence Marcellin, 50, alias ‘Short Man’ was shot in the vicinity of S&S in Vieux Fort town around 6 p.m. Saturday. It is alleged, according to a relative, that he was transporting monies from one business to another when he was robbed and shot. This information not been officially confirmed as yet,

“He didn’t deserve to die like that. What did he do? It hurts,” one person told our newsroom via social media.

A video on social media shows Marcellin rolling over and bleeding as persons argue over getting him medical help, with some taking photos and video footage. He was reportedly transported via ambulance to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Homicide victim in Vieux Fort

Relatives and onlookers believe that someone could have assisted him before the ambulance arrived.

“It’s a shame people there arguing and taking photos and not helping the man. He could have been saved,” one person, who claimed to have been at the scene, told St. Lucia News Online.

A relative told St. Lucia News Online that Marcellin celebrated his 50th birthday in July this year.

The relative said he was originally from Choiseul but lived in Vieux Fort for over 20 years. At the time of his death, he was employed with Shernell’s Pizza Parlour where he carried out various duties including security and handyman jobs, the relative said.

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Joshua Brown

(AP) — Police in Texas are seeking a motive in the slaying of a witness who testified in the murder trial of a white Dallas police officer who fatally shot her black neighbor.

An attorney for 28-year-old Joshua Brown says he was shot to death Friday night. Lee Merritt says he spoke with Brown’s mother and she’s “devastated.”

He says in a statement: “We need answers.”

Dallas police confirmed a fatal shooting Friday night, but have not said who was killed. The Dallas Morning News first reported that the person was Brown.

Brown lived in the same apartment complex as former Officer Amber Guyger.

She was convicted of murder this past week in the death of neighbor Botham Jean.

Guyger has said she mistook Jean’s apartment for her own and that she thought he was a burglar.

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Joshua Brown testifying during Amber Guyger murder trial.

(CBSDFW.COM) – Dallas police and Judge Clay Jenkins have responded to reports of where Joshua Brown, a prosecution witness in the Amber Guyger murder trial, was shot on Friday.

Police confirmed Brown was the victim killed in a shooting in the parking lot of the Atera Apartments Friday evening. He was found lying in the parking lot with gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Brown’s identity was not officially released until Sunday but was confirmed by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office on Saturday.

Since it was discovered that Brown was the victim, there has been wide speculation about the reason for his death. He took the stand nearly two weeks ago in the murder trial of Amber Guyger, where he told the courtroom he met Botham Jean for the first time on the day of his death. He also said he heard two people talking on the evening of Sept. 6, 2018 but couldn’t understand what was being said. He said he then heard two gunshots.

Guyger was found guilty of murder in the shooting death of Jean. She was given a 10-year prison sentence.

There were disputes Saturday about where the gunshot wounds were on Brown’s body. Civil attorney Lee Merritt, who’s also the Jean family’s attorney, tweeted that Brown was shot in the mouth and chest as he was leaving his car. He later said he also heard Brown had been shot in back.

In a news release Sunday, police said Brown was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his lower body. Judge Clay Jenkins also tweeted that Brown was not shot in the mouth or head.

“Dallas County, the City of Dallas and others will work to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation of the murder of Joshua Brown. Mr. Brown was not shot in the mouth or head but was shot more than one time. Many career professionals are hard at work on this case,” Jenkins said.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson also responded to the speculation about Brown’s death.

“I trust the Dallas Police Department will conduct a thorough investigation into the death of Joshua Brown. Until we know more about this incident, I encourage everyone to refrain from speculation. If you have information about this case, please share it with our police investigators so they can ensure that justice is done. Dallas will never be a city that tolerates acts of violence such as this,” Johnson said on Twitter.

No arrests have been made as police continue to investigate. Witnesses told police they heard gunshots and saw a silver four-door sedan speeding out of the parking lot.

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A shotgun and a Glock pistol (Not the actual weapons seized in the operation)

St. Lucia law enforcement officials said they have arrested at least five people, seized illegal firearms, ammunition, and marijuana during a police operation conducted on Sunday, Oct. 6 in various parts of the island.

A 12-gauge shotgun, Glock pistol and ammunition, and several bags of marijuana were recovered in the operation that was carried out from 3 p.m., police said.

A vehicle was also seized.

The raids were carried out in Rodney Bay, Babonneau, Gros Islet, Dennery, Richfond, Marchand, and Anse La Raye,  Marigot, police said.

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Joshua Brown

(NEW YORK POST) — The Dallas man who was murdered shortly after providing key testimony in the trial against killer cop Amber Guyger was set to take the stand in a civil lawsuit against the police department, according to a report.

Joshua Brown, 28, who was victim Botham Jean’s neighbor, was shot to death Friday night in an ambush outside his apartment in a Dallas neighborhood, according to police. No suspects have been arrested in the slaying.

“To have a key witness suddenly be killed is suspicious. Was this related to the trial? There is no clear indication,” attorney Lee Merritt, who represents the Jean family, told CBS News.

Brown’s death came days after Guyger was convicted of fatally shooting 26-year-old Jean, who she believed was an intruder when she mistakenly entered his apartment instead of her own.

Merritt said Brown would have been one of their first witnesses in the Jean family’s wrongful-death suit against the city of Dallas, which claims Dallas police failed to adequately train Guyger, according to CBS News.

Brown testified at Guyger’s trial about the September 2018 night that Jean was shot dead in his own apartment. He said he heard what sounded like “two people meeting by surprise” while he was in a hallway on the floor where he and Jean lived.

He also rejected Guyger’s claims during the trial that she used commands such as “put your hands up” before shooting Jean.

“She didn’t. No one heard that. No neighbors. No passerby’s [sic]. Not Joshua as he walked down the corridor. No one,” Merritt wrote on Facebook.

Merritt has called for answers in the death of Brown, who he said lived in “constant fear that he could be the next victim of gun violence.”

“Brown deserves the same justice he sought to ensure the Jean family,” Merritt wrote on Facebook.

With Post wires

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(DAILY MAIL) — The judge who embraced and gave her Bible to killer cop Amber Guyger just moments after being sentenced to 10 years in prison says she couldn’t refuse her hug and wants her to live a purposeful life.

Judge Tammy Kemp said on Monday that she watched Guyger change during the high-profile murder trial that saw the 31-year-old convicted of killing her upstairs neighbor Botham Jean.

Kemp, who handed Guyger her own personal Bible before she was taken away to begin her prison sentence last week, said it was the first time she had done so.

She said she had never previously acknowledged her Christian faith to a defendant or given one a Bible, but Guyger had said she didn’t have one at the end of her trial.

In her first interview since the jury convicted Guyger of murder last week, Kemp said she felt her actions were appropriate since the trial was over and the convicted killer had told her she didn’t know how to begin seeking God’s forgiveness.

‘She asked me if I thought that God could forgive her and I said, ‘Yes, God can forgive you and has,’ Kemp said.

‘If she wanted to start with the Bible, I didn’t want her to go back to the jail and to sink into doubt and self-pity and become bitter.

‘Because she still has a lot of life ahead of her following her sentence and I would hope that she could live it purposefully.’

Kemp was pictured hugging Guyger in the courtroom soon after the sentence was handed down.

Critics blasted Judge Kemp, who is black, calling her embrace of Guyger inappropriate and deeply offensive to the victim’s family.

They argued it was unethical of Kemp to hug Guyger and give her the Bible. One group asked for a judicial misconduct investigation, and some activists have said the hug took the focus off justified anger at a police killing.

Kemp said that Guyger asked twice if she could hug her and, after a moment’s hesitation, the judge wrapped her arms around her.

‘Following my own convictions, I could not refuse that woman a hug. I would not,’ Kemp said.

‘I don’t understand the anger. I guess I could say if you profess religious beliefs and you are going to follow them, I would hope that they not be situational and limited to one race only.’

A jury found Guyger guilty of murder last week for shooting Jean in his home, which the off-duty cop said she mistook for her own

The scenes from inside the courtroom when Guyger was sentenced for the September 2018 shooting death of Jean quickly prompted widespread reaction.

The victim’s 18-year-old brother Brandt Jean left the courtroom stunned when he asked Judge Kemp if he could give Guyger a hug.

In an astonishing act of compassion, Brandt hugged his brother’s killer and told her he didn’t want to see her jailed.

‘If you truly are sorry, I forgive you. I know if you go to God and ask him he will forgive you,’ Brandt said to Guyger in the courtroom when he was allowed to deliver a victim impact statement.

‘I love you just like anyone else. I’m not going to say I hope you rot and die just like my brother did. I want the best for you. I don’t even want you to go to jail.’

Judge Kemp embraced the victim’s mother before she was pictured hugging Guyger.

The victim’s mother said outside court that Guyger’s sentence should serve as reflection and a period of time for her to change her life.

The 31-year-old was off-duty from the Dallas Police Department but still in uniform when she fatally shot the 26-year-old accountant in his own home in September 2018.

Guyger said she mistook Jean’s apartment for her own, which was one floor below, and that she thought he was an intruder when she opened fire.

Following an emotional six-day trial, prosecutors had urged the jury to give a punishment of no less than 28 years, which is how old Jean would have been if he was still alive.

Guyger’s defense attorneys had asked them to show leniency because she believed she was in her own apartment and acted out of fear.

In Texas, a murder sentence can range from five years to life in prison, but the judge also instructed jurors on a so-called sudden passion defense, which carries a range of between two to 20 years behind bars.

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