Defence attorney Akilah Anderson recounted the “tragic” story of Jessroy McKelly’s childhood on Friday in an attempt to reduce what could be a life sentence in prison for the convicted murderer.
Mr. McKelly was convicted by a High Court jury in April of shooting Kareem Sebastian by the Crab Lot in Road Town in August 2008.
The 27-year-old kept his eyes closed while Ms. Anderson spoke about his childhood, which she said was constantly in turmoil.
He never had his father in his life, and he had to leave his mother’s care at age 7 because she was being admitted as a mental patient, according to the attorney.
But Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham pointed out several aggravating factors of Mr. McKelly’s crime that led the prosecutor to use sentencing guidelines of 30 years to life.
High Court Justice Nicola Byer said she will contact both parties when she reaches a decision.
See the May 22, 2014 edition for full coverage.