Crime/Police
Akeem Hopkinson Sentenced to 32 Years for 2021 Murder of Catherine Pickering
Akeem Hopkinson has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering after being convicted on all four charges: murder, robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
At the High Court on Monday, Judge Rajiv Persad imposed the sentences following Hopkinson’s conviction. He was sentenced to 32 years for murder, 19 years for robbery, 17 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and 7 years for possession of a prohibited firearm. The judge ruled that all sentences would run concurrently, meaning Hopkinson will serve a total of 32 years, including time already spent in custody. The sentencing came after a 10-member jury found Hopkinson guilty on February 25 following approximately three hours of deliberation.
The case stems from a deadly attack on April 18, 2021, in Paraquita Bay, where Catherine Pickering was fatally shot in the head and chest inside her home. The incident unfolded after her daughter, Maricel Pickering, was ambushed and robbed in the family’s driveway upon returning home from work. According to Maricel’s testimony, she had just exited her vehicle when she heard a voice demanding money. Gunshots rang out, prompting her to throw a bag of cash and run for cover. After the assailant fled on a motorcycle, she discovered her mother wounded inside the house. Catherine Pickering was later pronounced dead at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
Hopkinson’s trial began in late January at the High Court, where he was represented by Phoenix Law. During the proceedings, prosecutors argued that Hopkinson played a central role in the robbery and shooting. Testimony from witnesses, including Maricel Pickering, detailed the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath.
Shemar Richardson, who had been employed at Big Brother’s Gas Station at the time of the robbery, pleaded guilty to his role in the crime and was sentenced separately. He received a term of five years and nine months, factoring in time served, with the possibility of parole after three years, provided he undergoes counseling. During the trial, Richardson admitted to providing information that facilitated the robbery, which ultimately led to the murder of Catherine Pickering.
Hopkinson had initially been charged alongside 28-year-old Shameek Grant. However, Grant was acquitted after the court upheld a no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to support a conviction.
Erick Rabsatt, the 24-year-old man wanted in connection with the December 2021 fatal shooting of Jaimez A. Stoutt in the British Virgin Islands, is reportedly in custody in the United States Virgin Islands.
A source close to the matter has confirmed that Rabsatt is currently being held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and is awaiting processing to be extradited to the British Virgin Islands to face charges in the case. No official statements have yet been released by authorities in either jurisdiction regarding the detention.
Stoutt, 31, was shot and killed inside Crystal’s Nightclub in Free Bottom, Tortola, on December 11, 2021. He was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he later died. The incident occurred in the early morning hours and was followed by a police investigation that identified Rabsatt as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and authorities launched a manhunt that extended across both the British and United States Virgin Islands.
Stoutt was a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Afghanistan in 2011. After returning to the British Virgin Islands, he worked at CCT Global Communications before founding his own landscaping business, Military Cutz. He was also known for his involvement in local basketball leagues.
Following the incident, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force issued appeals to the public for assistance in locating Rabsatt and circulated his photo throughout the region.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is reporting sharp increases in several categories of criminal activity for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, underscoring ongoing challenges facing law enforcement and the wider community.
According to data released by the RVIPF, cases of Damaging Property rose by 75 percent, with 24 more incidents recorded than in the same timeframe in 2024. Theft of Motor Vehicles saw a 47 percent uptick, reflecting 8 additional reports year-over-year. Meanwhile, Minor Assaults climbed by 25 percent, with 18 more reported cases than in the first quarter of last year.
Authorities say that a significant portion of the increases in Damaging Property and Minor Assaults stem from domestic dispute incidents, signaling a troubling pattern that extends beyond traditional policing and requires a broader societal response.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool stressed the need for collaboration across all sectors of society.
“We urge the community to remain vigilant and work with the RVIPF to sustain these hard-won gains,” said Vanterpool. “Together, we must reverse the concerning trends in robberies, minor assaults, and other areas, to ensure long-term safety and security across the Territory. The issues underpinning our crime situation are complex and will require sustained efforts to ensure long-term gains. Everyone has a role to play in this fight.”
The RVIPF reaffirmed its commitment to targeted policing strategies and stronger public engagement. Police officials also called for continued support from social services, volunteer organizations, and civic groups, emphasizing that reducing crime — especially those rooted in domestic situations — requires a unified and sustained effort.
The Force is appealing to the public for information that can assist ongoing investigations. Citizens can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or share tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or overseas at (284) 800-8477.
A early-morning police operation led to the arrest of two masked men and the seizure of a firearm with multiple rounds of ammunition outside a popular bank in the British Virgin Islands, authorities said Thursday.
Officers with the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded around dawn to reports of two masked individuals near the bank. Police say the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly captured following a brief foot chase. A firearm and several rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool praised the officers’ decisive response, calling the operation “a clear example of our officers’ courage, dedication, and tactical skill.”
“Their quick actions may have prevented a more serious incident from occurring,” Vanterpool said, also thanking the public for their continued trust and support. “Every bit of information helps, and we urge anyone with knowledge that may assist this investigation to come forward.”
The suspects have not yet been identified publicly, and police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or reach out anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (locally) or (284) 800-8477 (from overseas).
ADVERTISEMENT:
Local Farmers to Launch Educational Children’s Books Celebrating Agriculture and Culture in the Virgin Islands
Three Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
One Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Crime/Police5 days agoThree Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoTwo Masked Men Arrested Outside BVI Bank; Guns and Ammunition Seized, Police Say
-
Local News6 days agoOne Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Local News2 weeks ago119 Individuals Granted British Overseas Territories Citizenship in the Virgin Islands
-
Uncategorized2 weeks agoMajor Drug and Weapon Seizures Mark Strong Start to 2025 for BVI Police
-
Entertainment7 days agoChef Kenneth Molyneaux Serves Up BVI National Dish at Miami’s Deering Seafood Festival
-
Local News7 days agoAnegada Receives Donated Pickup Truck to Aid Medical Services
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoBVI Sees Spike in Property Damage, Vehicle Thefts, and Assaults in Early 2025