Petite Savanne resident and Marigot native Johnny Phillip has been convicted of the murder of 63-year-old Timothy “Oyo” Anselm of Petite Savanne between March 6 and 9, 2020, at the deceased’s residence. He pleaded guilty on Monday, April 22.
Represented by Attorney Bernard Pacquette at the Roseau High Court on Tuesday, April 23, before His Lordship Colin Williams, the facts were read to the accused which he cosigned. The court reports that on Monday, March 2, 2020, Philip went to the home of Anselm with a cutlass claiming that he had stolen his solar panel, manure, and other items. The two men engaged in vile conversations which led to Philip threatening to kill the deceased just days after the beginning of their disagreement.
Philip proceeded to wound the deceased with a cutlass on Mach 7, at about 4:00 p.m. Neighbors reported to have heard him shouting in agony as Philip fled the scene. The deceased was found on the floor with wounds to his head and chest and was frothing. When questioned, he replied, “Mister that f&ck me up !” indicating that Philip was responsible for his injuries.
Police were called to the scene on the morning of March 8, when the deceased appeared to be in an unresponsive state. When police visited the home of Philip he cried to one of the officers, “Deon, see what Oyo make me do him for my own thing?” disclosing items the deceased allegedly stole.
Medical reports suggest that Anselm suffered from Hypovolemic Shock which resulted from severe blood loss, forcing the heart to seize from pumping blood to the body. Social Inquiry is expected to be prepared and served by Friday, May 1, while Philip awaits sentencing on Monday, May 13, 2024.
What has Dominica become? The entire system is corrupt and vile to the extreme. When we do get back LAW AND ORDER in our land then most of these craziness will cease. But until then we the citizens are at God’s Mercy. There needs to be some serious discussion on the importance of a human life. The conscience of our people are seriously warped because of their daily neglected life and the struggle to put a decent meal on the table to feed their family like everyone else. When hope is gone all hell breaks loose and the life of decent citizens are put at risk and grave danger. Something needs to be fixed. To chop up someone to death!!!! I feel for the family of the deceased. Lock him up and chain him. Then feed him through a 6 inch slot. There has to be a way to reduce such crimes in such a tiny Island. If the judicial system won’t do it then the people needs to take to the streets in protest against a failed judicial system that’s corrupt from the Top down. Fish rots from the HEAD.
Only if your life is in serious and immediate jeopardy should you kill in self defense. The murderer had enough time to compose himself before resorting to chopping the victim to death.
No mitigating factors should be taken into consideration during sentencing. He (the perpetrator) should never be given an opportunity to see the sun again. He deserves lifetime in solitary confinement.