A pressing legal challenge is unfolding as defense attorney Wendel Alexander prepares an urgent High Court application seeking bail for a detained young mother, arguing her incarceration poses critical welfare concerns for her breastfed infant. The case centers on Shanyea Crump, 20, and Terry Williams, 21, both from Nut Grove, who face serious firearm charges currently non-bailable in lower courts.
According to legal representatives, the core of the defense strategy hinges on compelling humanitarian grounds. Alexander emphasizes that Crump’s continued detention at His Majesty’s Prison directly jeopardizes the health and nourishment of her baby, who remains dependent on her breast milk. This biological necessity forms the foundation of the emergency bail petition being prepared for superior court review.
The prosecution’s position remains cautious, with the Director of Public Prosecutions indicating need for comprehensive case review and additional consultation with investigators. This development occurs despite the defendant’s boyfriend allegedly admitting ownership of the contested firearm and ammunition.
Court documents reveal the charges stem from Monday’s execution of a search warrant in All Saints, where police reportedly seized a Ruger 9mm pistol and seven rounds of ammunition. Both defendants were subsequently remanded after initial proceedings before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel, where bail was statutorily unavailable for such firearms offenses.
The legal team is currently preparing thorough bail documents, including a sworn affidavit from Crump herself, to demonstrate both the urgency of the maternal situation and the strength of their humanitarian argument. The case highlights the complex intersection of rigid legal statutes and compelling human circumstances within the judicial system.