Convicted murderer Jessroy McKelly hugs his aunt outside the High Court after being sentenced to life in prison. Photo: KEN SILVA

Convicted murderer Jessroy McKelly was sentenced to life in prison by Justice Nicola Byer Friday in High Court.

Convicted murderer Jessroy McKelly hugs his aunt outside the High Court after being sentenced to life in prison. Photo: KEN SILVA
The judgment, which was read by Justice Vicki-Ann Ellis in Ms. Byer’s absence, said that Mr. McKelly will be eligible for parole after 40 years.

During the sentencing hearing on May 20, the defendant’s attorney, Akilah Anderson, pleaded that her client be eligible for parole after only 20 to 25 years because of his young age and the fact that he has no previous convictions similar to this one.

But Ms. Byer said despite those factors, Mr. McKelly’s previous convictions – which include burglary, assault, and unlawful escape – exhibit a pattern of criminality that makes it necessary for him to be separated from society for a “lengthy time.”

Mr. McKelly’s conviction stems from an incident in August 2008 where he allegedly shot Kareem Sebastian multiple times by the Crab Lot in Road Town.

He wasn’t charged until 2012 because no witnesses were willing to come forward until then.

The victim’s mother, Bridgette Todman, made a statement through the police after the verdict was rendered.

“My son is in the grave and no one can really understand what I went through except another mother,” she said. “But I trusted God and I thank him now that I got that closure. My hope is many more within the community will come forward with information and say what they know so that other mothers may have the closure they need in their children’s deaths.”