From murder to manslaughter – man gets reduced charge

Jolly is now facing a charge of manslaughter

Less than a week after Ron Garth Jolly was formerly charged with the murder of Kent Albert Lewis of Pointe Michel, the prosecution on Monday, May 29, informed the court the charge was being withdrawn for one of manslaughter instead.

The manslaughter charge was read to him but he was not required to enter a plea.

The prosecution did not object to bail which was set at EC$50,000.00 however, Jolly will need to get a property surety to guarantee his release.

If bail is secured and he is out, Jolly must obtain permission to get a passport (he does not have one) and must also seek permission to leave the state. He must also inform the court and the police of any change of address within 72 hours prior to his decision.

Additionally, he must report to the Roseau police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, must not interfere with any witnesses in the matter known to him and must be on good behaviour.

The matter is set for hearing on July 3, 2017.

He is represented by Wayne Norde and Kondwani Williams.

Lewis died of a gunshot wound to the neck at a bar in Pointe Michel on Saturday, May 19, 2017.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

56 Comments

  1. unknown
    May 30, 2017

    murder : the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.
    manslaughter : the crime of killing a human being without malice aforethought, or otherwise in circumstances not amounting to murder.
    Manslaughter is an unlawful killing that doesn’t involve malice aforethought—intent to seriously harm or kill, or extreme, reckless disregard for life. The absence of malice aforethought means that manslaughter involves less moral blame than either first or second degree murder. (But plenty argue that some instances of felony murder, a form of first degree murder, involve less blameworthiness than some instances of manslaughter.) Thus, while manslaughter is a serious crime, the punishment for it is generally less than that for murder.

    The two main variations of manslaughter are usually referred to as voluntary and involuntary manslaughter.

  2. Malatete
    May 30, 2017

    I understand Dominica has experienced 12 homicides to date for the current year 2017. Homicides rates for a country are measured on the basis of 1/100,000 population. We are only at the end of May, the fifth month of the year and therefore, by this international standard we are running at 16.6 thus far. Projected at the same rate for the entire year we would end up with a score 0f 40.0, which is very high. Typically, the last recorded figure for Dominica dates back to 2010 (U.N.) with a rate of 21.1 for that year. We are seeing a very worrying upward trend, especially when compared with our immediate neighbours Guadeloupe and Martinique( Latest reported figure respectively 7.9 and 2.7 for 2009). I really would welcome the government publishing statistical data in time, for all areas for it have real relevance. If you are not measuring you are merely playing.

  3. Kareem
    May 30, 2017

    Smh. This law system needs some serious adjustments. For all you know he might go backwoods and reside in some other country

  4. May 30, 2017
  5. JustSaying
    May 30, 2017

    All the Legal Eagles opining on a matter with little or no substantive information nor evidence. It is rather difficult to get a straight out murder charge, as the burden of proof lays solely on the prosecution. In an effort to secure a conviction the prosecution may see it best to reduce the charge from murder to manslaughter. It appears that the victim may have been an innocent bystander – a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. My condolences to the victim’s family.

    • Fitzroy Vagao
      May 30, 2017

      When someone is prosecuted for murder, the jury can return a verdict of not guilty to murder, but guilty to manslaughter. #JustSaying

  6. thomian
    May 30, 2017

    From murder to man slaughter? wow! the only reason behind that is if only he admitted to the police he did the killing and they promise if he return the gun he will get a lesser charge…..that’s my conclusion. Only in Dominica a murderer walks o the road just like that.

  7. Dr. Birdie
    May 30, 2017

    Killing will never stop, the prosecution and the court system upholding criminals, so the only justice that remains for the relatives if the murdered are broken down because a mother killer walk away free, vengeance is mine saieth the Lord I will repay to every man according to his works, in Trinidad the defence lawyers, the killer and the person standing bail would all be shot dead, that case should be revisited that is cold blooded murder that prosecution team should be fired

  8. ki sa
    May 30, 2017

    This says something about the prosecution – do your homework before bringing charges. Surely with all the training and experience I would like to think that you guys would know when and when not to charge someone with murder.

  9. DA girl
    May 30, 2017

    There should be no bail for murder or manslaughter.

  10. 130.226.169.137
    May 30, 2017

    50.000 EC is the cost of human life in Dominica and of course the guy wont go to jail for a long time

  11. May 30, 2017

    Yes I, Dominica. Allu reach America’s standards papa. From murder to manslaughter? Papa brap brap!

  12. indeed
    May 29, 2017

    And this is exactly one of the reasons crime is escalating here…….judicial system sending wrong message to criminal elements………..rather than take a very hard line this is whats is happening….reduced to manslaughter………..you know why….. it’s not their son or daughter killed in cold blood……….come on Dominica……..hold on to your country, your national security…….safety of your citizens……….

  13. BEB
    May 29, 2017

    $50,000.00 IS CHICKENFEED,I have never heard that bail is granted to one who kills another person, so which means, he or his surety can pat the money and he can easily escape from Dominica without any authority knowing. While it is true, it might be difficult to get a conviction for murder and the easier way out is manslaughter, I think that money for bail should be higher. Guys are getting entangled with the law for drugs, their bails are higher. Mr. Prosecutor, are u afraid of the 2 lawyers representing the accused?

  14. you serious man
    May 29, 2017

    That’s why its better to be the one doing the lamp outing. Than to have your lamp or candle put out. The famous woman lawyer was the one who started and set this precedence. We worship the people who enslave us everyday. This is a bad precedence that was set, but Dominicans have chicken memory so this is just the talk of the day. SAD. The criminals in high place should hear the voice of the people. OH!, but hold on. The people of this country have had their voice box removed. We have become a penny materialistic people. we are silenced with money that can’t buy bread. SM*H all day.

  15. Locs Girl
    May 29, 2017

    Lawless state!

  16. #Dominica
    May 29, 2017

    Going to walk free as usual. Shameful. Case will drag on and on until evidence and witnesses go missing.

    Case dismissed due to lack of evidence.

    God will punish all you

  17. pweedy
    May 29, 2017

    boy i tell u dominica now easy….. in his neck he was shot and not murder ??? dammmmm…… and who they fooling ? he dont have a passport but he always travelling ,,, nice

    • May 30, 2017

      mister going and run out on dem man

  18. Just Thinking
    May 29, 2017

    Must obtain permission to obtain a passport?question? permission to leave state?question? He is on a very serious charge and if he had a passport it would have to be surrendered in any other island.
    Just what kind of court system are we running?

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      May 29, 2017

      There are times people must read between the lines and utilize their common sense if they have one. Some things need to be explained to them. This is, if he applies for a passport. This does not mean he will get one and legally so, for, under the circumstances he is not allowed to leave the country. Therefore, since, at this moment he does not have one, is now charged with manslaughter and is not allowed to leave D/ca, he should not be granted one.
      Consider, why should he be granted one? It would be senseless, ridiculous and futile to grant him one.
      The Court visualizes that since he does not have a passport, he might try to get one to try and leave the country. Therefore, in this case, if he wants to apply for one he must obtain permission to get one.
      We assume that the authority at the Passport Office is notified about this man, in the event he tries to obtain a passport and without the Court’s permission.

    • Stop thinking and read
      May 30, 2017

      You did read the part where they mentioned that he currently does not own a passport right? how can he surrender something that he does not own? If he wishes to obtain a passport ie apply for one he needs to be granted permission first.

    • Dominican
      May 30, 2017

      I don’t understand that myself. As far as I know you are not automatically entitled to a passport even if you are a citizen. You have to fill in an application form and they can approve or refuse so why does this point even arise?
      But you don’t need a passport to leave Dominica. You pay someone with a boat and they drop you in Guadeloupe, no questions asked. Enough Dominicans are there illegally, also St. Maarten , not to mention Haitian citizens that are smuggled there. Our borders are as leaky as a sieve. It is only money that talks.

    • Interested
      May 30, 2017

      I do not understand myself. If he had a passport, he would have been asked to surrender it so I can’t understand how he needs permission to obtain a passport. Someone in authority needs to explain.

    • Waw
      May 30, 2017

      He don’t have a passport

  19. May 29, 2017

    Never be surprised when these decisions are taken in Dominica.This sends a bad message to the outside world especially to foreigners who would like to visit the country.

  20. Stella
    May 29, 2017

    *you*

  21. peeping
    May 29, 2017

    Ron,
    the most I can and will contiue to do is pray for you my former student. The way ot the transgressor is hard.
    Your mom and brother are faithfully serving God and I know they are praying for you as well.
    Please go to church with your brither and you never know God might just turn things aroiund for you. trust me

    • May 29, 2017

      By reading your comment you said your former student, are you a teacher? Please go back and watch your spelling if is so you spell then all students you taught came out stupid.

    • concern citizen
      May 29, 2017

      Just go to CHURCH and God Might just turn things around, and the other man is under the EARTH?
      That is how u all want it in this country

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      May 29, 2017

      “brother; around”
      The sad part you will find a bad egg among the lot. This occurs in families that a member goes astray.
      It should be asked why did he become one, what did the man do him or say to him that caused him to shoot him. He must confess to this.
      Yes! We know that God is merciful. However, there are conditions for forgiveness. If he decides to turn his life around, allow God into his life, worship him, pray to him with a humble and contrite heart and persevere to the end, God who knows the heart will forgive him. It all depends on God.
      A condition for forgiveness, he must also make reparation in the form of penance, sacrifice and good works in Jesus Name.
      Some who lived godless lives have changed their lives around and became good and model citizens. With God no one is an exception.
      God’s intention is that all come to know the knowledge of truth and obtain salvation. There is always hope for him. He has to do his part. Pray for him.

  22. mine
    May 29, 2017

    You all that are causing these guys to be killing people left to right. He should be locked up with no bail.

  23. don
    May 29, 2017

    Why did u ot do the same thing for the police officers on remand.The hole dpp office needs to change ,what a corrupt system.Oh my god why the rush to drop the charge .

  24. papa
    May 29, 2017

    Are u kidding 50 thousand that is money for bread what u telling me a man can kill a man and walk free smh

  25. NKRUMAH KWAME
    May 29, 2017

    La po gabwit, this may be because the prosecution is not convinced it would get a conviction with a murder charge; hence the lesser charge of manslaughter. Comprende?
    HOTEP!

  26. ETELLE
    May 29, 2017

    THE FILES WILL SOON GO MISSING….. ONLY IN DOMINICA

  27. yes papa
    May 29, 2017

    And it has begun; from murder to manslaughter. Soon we will hear that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence therefore all charges were dropped and he is now a free man. Do we even have a justice system here??

    • Dominican West Indian
      May 30, 2017

      They don’t call it the justice system anymore. It’s the judicial system. Because they know and we know that there’s no justice here in Dominica. So how can there be any peace?! The whole system corrupt.

  28. May 29, 2017

    Why was the charge reduce? this is an other joke in the judicial system in Dominica, the court is sending a message to all , that you can commit murder, and get a slap on the wrist , welcome to Dominica, what a joke.

    • Arthur
      May 29, 2017

      …because when presenting a case to the court, the evidence MUST be able to PROVE the Charge beyond reasonable doubt. So it seems like the prosecution, based on the evidence they going to provide, did not want to Gamble with the charge of murder and decided to opt for Manslaughter instead, seeing that there is a much better chance of getting an Indictment for manslaughter with the evidence they are able to present.
      That’s what i think.

      • Spike
        May 29, 2017

        Thank you, Sir, it sounds as though you understand the mechanics of prosecuting a crime, as opposed to the rest of the peanut gallery crying out for a pound of flesh. I’d speculate that some of the evidence for a charge of murder consists of witnesses over the legal limit and perhaps a few refusing to cooperate.

      • Not a herd follower
        May 29, 2017

        Arthur, it still shows the hopelessness that exists in the criminal and judicial systems. Does the Dominica Police force have the ability to do ”hard core” investigations? Are they capable of producing credible physical evidence and recreating crime scenarios?

      • Dominican West Indian
        May 30, 2017

        It happened in a well-frequented bar. There must have been witnesses. And you cannot prove your case “beyond a reasonable doubt”?! Ah-wah!

      • Me
        May 30, 2017

        If that is so the DPP must be seriously inept.

    • DA girl
      May 29, 2017

      If he was charged with murder I believe he would have walked. The alleged circumstances of the case is that the victim went to separate a fight and got shot. It wasn’t a case where the victim and the defendant themselves were fighting. It sounds more like a stray bullet hit him. Well that’s my understanding. I could be wrong.

      • Anonymous
        May 29, 2017

        Maybe it was not intentional but nonetheless if the death was the result of an illegal weapon being discharged the alleged perpetrator is the cause of the victims death and the sentence should reflect that.

      • concern citizen
        May 29, 2017

        Don’t matter how it happen he supposed to pay for the man’s life with 20yrs behind bars period, those a part of the GUNS from the BARELLS on the port

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        May 29, 2017

        How often it happens when someone trys to stop a fight or an argument, they get shot.
        Did you hear what occurred recently in Portland? This is why some people do not interfere in these arguments/fights. It is better to telephone the Police or Crime Stoppers. The innocent could get injured and/or killed.
        If he willfully shot him for trying to stop a fight, due to this, it should be considered murder. If per chance it is a stray bullet, then it could be manslaughter.
        In any case why did he have a gun? Did he anticipate to use it? Why should be shoot at any anyone even though someone is trying to stop a fight?
        This is something good the victim did. Unfortunately he lost his life. May God bless his soul. RIP!

      • BEN10
        May 30, 2017

        only guys without a license for firearms has the right to use a firearms in Dominica.
        so a person uses a firearm in a public place and they are not even a licensed holder and we say its manslaughter..
        in the first place what was he even doing with the firearm … o o I get it he had special permission from the chief of police.. well done…
        what injustice in a justice system…
        no sense have a license firearm in dominica.

    • Stella
      May 29, 2017

      Perhaps you should research the difference between manslaughter and murder before to conclude that it is a joke.

      • Stella
        May 29, 2017

        *you*

  29. Kermit
    May 29, 2017

    Oh well. He will go free.

  30. Me
    May 29, 2017

    Hmmm, is this young man well connected?

    • pweedy
      May 29, 2017

      of course !!!!!

  31. May 29, 2017

    What else is new? That is Dominica for you!

    • Hurting
      May 30, 2017

      Idk what or who he is conneccted to but seems murder is the new sport in D.A.. fellas getting away left and right. I understand that noone can question the DPP’s decisions. Who is tthe DPP ?what is this person doing in charge..seems the DPP is the boss of the justice system in D.A… no surprise there….

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available