The High Court of Antigua and Barbuda is set to commence proceedings on Thursday in the closely watched murder case of Customs Officer Nigel Christian. Presiding Justice Rajiv Persaud will oversee the trial against three defendants: Lasean Bully from Cashew Hill, Wayne Thomas of Hatton, and Saleim Harrigan from Greenbay. All three men have formally entered not guilty pleas for the 2020 homicide.
The case stems from the tragic events of July 10, 2020, when Christian, aged 44, was forcibly abducted from his residence in McKinnons. The investigation culminated with the discovery of his body in the Thibou’s area, where forensic examination confirmed multiple gunshot wounds as the cause of death.
Charges were formally brought against the defendants in April 2021, following an extensive eleven-month investigation. The judicial process has navigated through multiple stages, beginning at the All Saints Magistrate’s Court before advancing to the High Court. Initially slated for the January 2023 assizes, the trial experienced significant procedural delays. The defendants were formally arraigned before Justice Ann-Marie Smith in January 2024, where they reaffirmed their claims of innocence.
The commencement of proceedings, originally scheduled for Wednesday, was administratively postponed, with the trial now confirmed to begin Thursday. The case has drawn considerable public attention due to the victim’s status as a government officer and the violent nature of the crime.