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On December 19, 2024, His Lordship Justice Patrick Thompson Jr. delivered final verdicts in the high-profile case involving Tabari Roberts and Jelani Duncan, who pled guilty to manslaughter in the tragic deaths of Jahquan Merritt and Lamonte Heyliger. The two young men were fatally shot on January 11, 2021, in the McKnight community, a case that has since drawn widespread attention.

The Case Details

Jelani Duncan, a defence force member, admitted guilt for unlawful act manslaughter after providing his service weapon—a loaded firearm—to Roberts during an escalating dispute. Tabari Roberts, in turn, pled guilty to manslaughter due to provocation, claiming he acted in self-defence after Merritt allegedly brandished a fake firearm during a heated confrontation over a $100 debt.

Justice Thompson characterised the crime as “egregious,” citing the violent confrontation that unfolded at Roberts’ home. Merritt, seeking repayment of a $300 loan, was shot in the head by Roberts using Duncan’s service pistol. Heyliger, unarmed and standing behind Merritt, was chased and shot multiple times in the back as he tried to flee.

Justice Thompson’s Remarks

In his judgment, Justice Thompson highlighted the gravity of the defendants’ actions:

• On Duncan: “Duncan’s deliberate decision to hand over his firearm, rather than use it to defuse the situation, demonstrated a profound failure in judgement. This decision raises serious concerns about the recruitment and training of individuals entrusted with the responsibility of carrying a firearm in our defence force.”
• On Roberts: “Roberts’ actions, particularly the killing of Heyliger, were especially egregious. Heyliger posed no threat, was unarmed, and was shot while attempting to escape.”

Sentencing

Justice Thompson applied the Homicide Offences Guidelines of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, categorising Duncan’s culpability as “very high” and Roberts’ as “medium” due to the provoking circumstances.

• Tabari Roberts: Starting point of 20 years, enhanced to 30 years imprisonment, with time served on remand deducted.
• Jelani Duncan: Starting point of 24 years, sentenced to 29 years and 3 months, adjusted for time served.

Aftermath

Both defendants attempted to conceal their crimes, moving Merritt’s body to a vacant lot and collecting spent shell casings. Justice Thompson reminded the court that no sentence could fully address the grief endured by the victims’ families, stating that the tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of gun violence and poor decision-making.

This case serves as a grim reminder of the far-reaching impact of violence, even over minor disputes, and highlights the need for vigilance in addressing gun-related crimes and the responsibilities of those entrusted with firearms.