Shineka Gray’s family relieved after sentencing of teen’s killer
Published:Saturday | April 13, 2024 | 12:07 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
“WE CAN sleep now, somewhat, as we just have to see how we are going to move forward with the memories of Shineka and everything, but we are glad that they gave him what he deserved.”
That was the response of Nickeda Gray, the aunt of 15-year-old schoolgirl Shineka Gray, shortly after her niece’s convicted killer Gregory Roberts was sentenced to life imprisonment at the St James Circuit Court on Friday.
Roberts was convicted on January 24 for the teenager’s murder on January 29, 2017. His seven years in custody since 2017 were deducted from the 50-year starting point given by presiding High Court Justice Bertram Morrison. He will have to serve another 42 years, nine months, and 21 days before becoming eligible for parole.
The 50-year starting point had been proposed by lead prosecutor Andrea Martin-Swaby due to the circumstances surrounding the murder of Gray, a grade 10 student of Green Pond High School in St James at the time of the crime.
Speaking to journalists outside the courthouse on behalf of her family, Nickeda said that she and other relatives who were present for Roberts’ sentencing hearing were jubilant.
“We are happy, somewhat, we are happy that it is over and that we won’t have to be following up the court cases like we used to. We just want to say a special thanks to the investigative officer, who did a wonderful job, and the director of public prosecutions office as well. I want to big them up. They are a wonderful representation of what Ms [Paula] Llewellyn is doing. I just want to say a big thanks to everybody who made sure this was carried out,” Nickeda said.
In the meantime, Roberts’ lawyer, Chumu Parris, has indicated that his client intends to appeal the sentence.
“The judge has delivered his sentence, and as part of the process, Mr Roberts has indicated his intention, which he is entitled to do. In some ways, one chapter has been closed, and in other ways, another chapter may begin, because it is that the appellate process may now begin,” said Parris.
For Nickeda, the prospect of Roberts appealing his sentence does not worry or overwhelm her.
“He has a right to appeal, but whenever he does that, I will be right there under his tail,” she said resolutely.