“Queenie” appeals 18-year sentence for killing Bajan boyfriend

A Section D, South Sophia, Greater Georgetown mother of two, Tramangra Williams, known as “Queenie” has challenged her 18-year prison sentence over the unlawful killing of her Bajan boyfriend 10 years ago.

Her appeal will be heard at the Appeal Court early February as the accused is reportedly moving to acquire an attorney.
Her sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh in January 2014 for the December 27, 2008, stabbing of Tyrone McDonald Best. He died on January 3, 2009, whilst receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
It was reported that after considering the evidence during the High Court trial, a 12-member mixed jury found her not guilty of murder but guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter.
Justice Singh’s sentence was initially 30 years but he deducted 12 years for provocation and remorse shown as the offender had told the jury via an unsworn statement that she was sorry for what happened.
She has observed that she loved him and never intended to stab him.
It was revealed during the trial that the Bajan accused his Guyanese partner of having an affair with her cousin’s father on the afternoon “Queenie” asked the older man for money and marijuana.
Her story was that while on the way to the home of her friend, Granny, he slapped her across the head and beat her across the body. After they got home, Tyrone reportedly aimed one of his boots at her head but she suddenly turned around with a knife and he supposedly charged into it and received injuries to his abdomen.
During the trial, the accused was represented by then Attorney Peter Hugh, now a Magistrate while then Senior State Counsel Judith Gildharie-Mursalin prosecuted the case.