Lawyers challenge convicts’ 81-year prison sentence

2011 murder of Robb St granny

Lawyers representing Orwin and Cleon Hinds and Roy Jacobs – the three men who were sentenced to 81-years’ imprisonment for the 2011 murder of 72-year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, who was gunned down at her Robb Street, Georgetown residence – have laid over submissions with the Court of Appeal.
In the submissions, the lawyers have proffered arguments on which they are seeking to have the men’s conviction and sentence overturned. During a brief hearing on Thursday, the Court led by Chancellor of the Judiciary Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards acknowledged receipt of the submissions.
Justice Cummings-Edwards informed that she and the other Judges will peruse the arguments, and if any further clarifications are needed, the lawyers will be informed when the Court convenes again on April 8, 2021. Attorney-at-Law George Thomas is representing Orwin Hinds, while Roy Jacobs is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd. Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson is appearing for Cleon Hinds.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Teshana James-Lake is appearing for the State. Another man, Kevin October, who was convicted of the pensioner’s murder and had filed an appeal, died earlier this year in prison. Reports are that he succumbed following his battle with COVID-19.
Following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh in 2015, the men were found guilty of the offence by a jury. Justice Singh imposed the 81-year prison term on each of them, with parole possible after serving a minimum of 45 years. Notwithstanding the verdict, the men have all professed their innocence.
According to the charge the men faced, on June 30, 2011, they murdered Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was intended to be passed from one person to another.
The elderly woman was shot and killed on that night at her 42 Robb Street, Georgetown home. Media reports are that two men had gone to the woman’s home asking for “Auntie”. When the elderly woman emerged from her bedroom, one of them pulled out a gun and shot her several times to her upper body.
They fled the scene in a waiting motor car while the elderly woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. It is believed that a bitter property dispute might have been the motive for her killing.