Accused murderer Hopkinson remains silent as trial nears verdict

Akeem Hopkinson, who is on trial for the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering, has chosen not to testify as proceedings against him continue at the High Court.

Hopkinson, represented by Phoenix Law, is charged with the murder of Catherine Pickering, the robbery of Maricel Pickering, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.

During court proceedings on Thursday, February 20, Hopkinson’s legal team emphasised that the burden of proof lies solely with the prosecution. His defence argued that the case against him is built on circumstantial evidence, with much of the prosecution’s case based on information Hopkinson had already disclosed.

Meanwhile, the prosecution maintained that the evidence against Hopkinson is substantial, citing five key factors:

1. CCTV footage from Big Brother’s Gas Station
2. Forensic evidence allegedly linking shell casings from the crime scene to magazine clips found in Hopkinson’s living room
3. Cell site data placing Hopkinson near the crime scene at the time of the murder
4. Testimony from Maricel Pickering
5. Inconsistencies in Hopkinson’s initial police interview, including his denial of access to a firearm

The defence countered that Hopkinson had already admitted he was in the area and had found the firearm months prior at a beach. They argued that none of the evidence directly placed him at the crime scene or proved he committed the robbery.

The case stems from the April 18, 2021, attack in Paraquita Bay, where Catherine Pickering was fatally shot in the head and chest at her home. The shooting occurred shortly after her daughter, Maricel Pickering, was ambushed and robbed in their driveway moments after closing Big Brother’s Gas Station, where she worked as a manager.

According to Maricel’s testimony, she had just exited her car when she heard a voice demand, “Give me the money.” Gunshots rang out, prompting her to throw a bag of money and run for cover. When the gunfire ceased and the assailant fled on a motorcycle, she discovered her mother inside the house with gunshot wounds.

Catherine Pickering was later pronounced dead at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

The trial, which began in late January, is being heard by Justice Rajiv Persad at the High Court. Hopkinson, who is represented by Phoenix Law, is scheduled to return to court February 25 at which point the judge is expected to address the jury ahead of their deliberations.

Hopkinson was previously charged with murder, robbery and a firearm offence alongside 28-year-old Shameek Grant but Grant was acquitted recently after a no-case submission was upheld by the court. Effectively, a no-case submission is made when the defence is arguing that the evidence led by the Prosecution fails to support a finding of guilt and that the court should dismiss the charge.