Crime/Police
Shakilla Hanley Acquitted of Double Murder Charges
Shakilla Hanley, who had been on trial for two counts of murder, was found not guilty by a nine-member mixed jury. Madame Justice Angilica Teelucksingh directed the jury to enter a verdict of ‘Not Guilty’ on November 7, 2023.
The verdict came after Judge Teelucksingh upheld the ‘No Case’ submission made by Guyanese Attorney at Law, Stephen Daniels, who had been representing Hanley on a legal aid assignment. This marked the culmination of an intense trial that commenced eight weeks ago when Hanley pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Hanley, who had been in custody at His Majesty’s Prison, Balsum Ghut since July 2017, had been charged in connection with the May 6, 2017 murder of Shaun Richards and the June 21, 2017 murder of David Springette.
The trial had garnered significant attention, as the accused faced allegations of being involved in these crimes along with Shakil Ryan and other individuals known and unknown.