In a significant judicial ruling, twenty-nine-year-old Dashay Williams has been acquitted of the 2021 murder of fourteen-year-old Kwami Williams in Dangriga, Belize. The High Court’s decision came after Justice Nigel Pilgrim deemed the prosecution’s key evidence—a hearsay statement from the now-deceased Charles Bradley—inadmissible. The statement had allegedly contained an admission of guilt from Williams regarding the shooting incident that occurred in August 2021.
Justice Pilgrim emphasized that the Crown failed to satisfy all five essential elements required for a murder conviction beyond reasonable doubt. The case further unraveled due to inconsistent testimonies from prosecution witnesses, none of whom could provide definitive identification of Williams as the perpetrator.
Williams maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, presenting an alibi that placed him with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. Her testimony corroborated his account during the defense’s presentation.
The verdict was delivered under extraordinary security measures at the High Court following reported threats against Williams. Transported from Kolbe Foundation prison under heavy police guard, he was returned to custody after the ruling due to other pending charges. Williams expressed gratitude for the court’s decision while requesting continued protection amid ongoing security concerns.