Sentencing of quartet set for Feb 17 in Catherine Pickering murder case

Four of the six men charged in connection with the 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering have pleaded guilty to firearm and robbery charges, while the remaining two continue to face murder charges. Sentencing for the four is scheduled for February 17, 2025.

On April 18, 2021, Catherine Pickering was shot in the head and chest at her home in Paraquita Bay. The attack occurred moments after her daughter, Maricel Pickering, had closed Big Brother’s Gas Station, where she was a manager, and was ambushed and robbed in their driveway.

The trial resumed on Monday, February 3, with Akeem Hopkinson, 22, and Shameek Grant, 28, both of Zion Hill, still facing charges of murder, robbery, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Meanwhile, K’Shoy Alexander, 20, of Virgin Gorda, Richard Haripersard, 18, of Purcell Estate, and Shemar Richardson have all pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a prohibited weapon. Jordan Jackson has also pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon.

According to Maricel Pickering’s statement, she had just exited her car when a voice demanded, “Give me the money.” Immediately after, she heard gunshots and threw the bag of money before running for cover. Once the gunfire stopped and the motorcycle sped away, she searched for her mother and discovered her with gunshot wounds inside the house.

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

The trial, which began the week of January 25, is being heard by Justice Rajiv Persad at the High Court. Hopkinson is represented by Phoenix Law, while GRR Gordon and Co. represents Grant.