Bail granted to siblings accused of murder

Herbert Xavier, Lauretta Xavier, Manuella Williams were   granted bail
Herbert Xavier, Lauretta Xavier, Manuella Williams were granted bail

Three siblings from Soufriere, who were convicted of killing their brother and subsequently had their convictions quashed by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC), have been granted bail in the sum of EC$250,000 each with sureties and placed on curfew.

Manuella Willliams, Loretta and Herbert Xavier were jaileed for 15 years after jury found them guilty of killing their brother, Harison Williams, almost four year ago.

They appealed against the conviction and the ECSC upheld that because of “major errors” made during the trial by the Judge Brian Cottle.

Lawyer Dawn Yearwood Stewart, who is representing the siblings, applied for their release on bail even though the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed new indictments on them for the January criminal assizes.

Among their bail conditions is that they are not to be seen in any public places except in “church”. They are to reside out of Soufriere, must surrender all travel documents, must not be seen near any air or seaports and are to be of good behaviour and live an industrious life.

They were told that they should should not commit any offense while on bail.

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20 Comments

  1. Justice
    December 8, 2014

    Why all the name calling? If you read the article and understood law you too would know that it is a conflict of interest. We all have an opinion and also an #@&%@*%

    Legally challenged, is uneducated as the article said and I quote:

    Lawyer Dawn Yearwood Stewart, who is representing the siblings, applied for their release on bail even though the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) filed new indictments on them for the January criminal assizes.

  2. merlin
    December 6, 2014

    Caribbean judicial system seems like almost a joke.the highest court in the region free these noon the basus of guilt and innocent. The trial erred in the proceedings and now local justice is coming around for another shot. The process ran afoul and hastily prosecute these people with prejudice, this second trial is nothing but a witch hunt and should not be misconstrued as search for justice. The justice system screwed up and by default the should walk free.

  3. papamet
    December 6, 2014

    the authorities that be can we put in place for the final time a bail act. omg. how much longer will this go on..a bail act please. please please

  4. Soufriere
    December 5, 2014

    All have sinned… He who has no sins shall cast the first stone.. I dare all of u.. God is a very forgiving God.. Don’t u think they deserve a second chance in life? Judge not and u too shall not be judged.. Leave all the judging to the most high… Thank you :oops:

  5. We are all human
    December 5, 2014

    I think we should leave it all in God’s hands he alone know what really happen on that day , none of us know what tom will leads us guys we all have family’s out der

  6. ????????
    December 5, 2014

    Let god be the Judge. What happened was very sad indeed. but you seem to forget that God sent his son to die for our sins. Not yours alone but their’s too. do you know their heart??? God knows it and he is the one who gives favours. Do you remember at the crucifixtion that one robber acknowledge his sins and was forgiven at the eleventh hour. Those of you commenting do some introspection and see if you have repented and free from sins since we were all born with the stain of sin. Stop judging the siblings, they have regretted what happened and they have given Christ their life. Check your vibes and yourself. the enemy came to steal, kill and destroy and he doesnot choose just them. Watch out yourself…. Judging someone without any reason and not acknowledging the Great I am can be an opening for the Evil one to use you. Be ware!

  7. Anonymous
    December 5, 2014

    The court is always the place for redress! The family has the choice for a civil suit then. But God is good.

  8. smart move
    December 5, 2014

    wonder if they can vote? that would be 3 more added to the red party…..smh. what is my country coming to??

  9. Bold
    December 5, 2014

    Really….My God what is happening….Taking someone’s life and walking out after almost four years. They are looking for people to take the law into their own hands. Eye for an Eye….This man was somebody’s father, brother, wife….
    All I can say is May the Lord take control of his children and guide the innocent from the wicked evil hands.

    • The Facts
      December 5, 2014

      You stated, “wife?”

  10. kimmypop
    December 5, 2014

    Why should these people be granted bail… they murdered their brother wi Smh…
    if is so best every one charged for murder sign for an appeal

  11. blessed
    December 5, 2014

    They really need to find themselves in church. Repent and ask the lord for forgiveness…for killing their own flesh and blood. Too heartless.

    • real
      December 5, 2014

      i know for a fact that they have done this.. seeking new life in Christ..

    • The Facts
      December 5, 2014

      Some people hide under the banner of religion. If they ask God for forgiveness they may be forgiven. You cannot be too certain that everyone who asks God for forgiveness will obtain it. Why? God knows their heart and if they are truly remorseful. Furthermore, they must make restitution, penance, sacrifice and sincere repentance with a humble and contrite heart. They cannot bring him back. Do they know The Act of Contrition?
      They may be seeking new life in Our Lord Jesus Christ. However, there is more to do to obtain forgiveness than that. God is not deceived.
      If the righteous is barely saved, where will the sinner and godless appear.

  12. Sweets
    December 5, 2014

    although these rules are set it gives me very lil comfort; if you take a life on the way that they took their own brothers life i dont see why they should be given the priviledge of living life outside a jail sell; but Time will Tell!! Hope you all can sell at night and concentrate during the day; let all you Conscience be alll you guide!

    • soufriere2
      December 5, 2014

      it seems like u was there when it happened, why u couldnt go and testify??? give ur tongue a break

  13. JUSTICE
    December 5, 2014

    One lawyer representing three defendants? Sound like a conflict of interest to me. Who’s side are you on Ms. Lawyer? How are you going to defend your clients? Good Luck!!!

    Help????????????????

    • Legally challenged
      December 5, 2014

      Well Justice, You must be an idiot. Whats wrong with one lawyer applying for bail for 3 people. Its bail wi. Its not the hearing of the case. Stewps. Anyway its sad that so many of you commentators are judge, jury and executioner. Do you know the evidence? Yes a man is dead but do you know what he allegedly did or what the other accused are alleged to have done or not done???????? Stewwwwwps.

      • Lord bless me .
        December 5, 2014

        @Legally challenged. You are the one that do not know the evidence . The VICTIM did nothing wrong . And yes a man died , a good good man .

      • The Facts
        December 5, 2014

        Some people love to take the Law into their hands. Whatever he did they had no right to kill him and he is their brother at that. So what type of hearts do they have to murder their own brother?
        “Vengeance is Mine says the Lord. I will repay” Our Lord taught us, no matter what others do to us we should never take revenge. We should turn the other cheek. This is Our Lord’s command. Then we should take it to him in prayer.
        Inform them to read/study Holy Scripture especially the New Testament.
        If we meet with trouble, we should walk away. We should never take it upon ourselves to avenge others. Two wrongs do not make a right.
        I or all of us would love to hear what exactly occurred to cause his demise. He is not here to defend himself. Dead men tell no tales.

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