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.
Senior officials of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continued their scheduled foot patrols through Road Town this week, engaging with business owners, residents, and visitors as part of an ongoing community policing initiative.
The initiative, which began in December 2024, aims to enhance police visibility, strengthen relationships with the public, and improve communication between law enforcement and the community. Officers walked through key commercial areas, speaking with stakeholders and addressing concerns raised by business operators and pedestrians.
According to the RVIPF, the patrols are part of a broader strategy to foster collaboration between law enforcement and the community. Officials have indicated that these efforts will continue throughout 2025 as the force prioritizes public engagement and safety.
Local businesses and members of the public have acknowledged the increased police presence in Road Town, with officers noting that the direct interaction allows for real-time feedback and assessment of security concerns.
The RVIPF has confirmed that foot patrols will remain a key element of its community outreach strategy, with senior management continuing to participate regularly.
#RVIPF #CommunityEngagement #PublicSafety
A 17-year-old male has been formally charged in connection with a string of recent robberies, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) announced Thursday, February 6.
The RVIPF charged the teenager with multiple offenses, including two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, robbery, and possession of a firearm with intent to put another in fear.
The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into a series of robberies over the weekend, during which police recovered an AR-15 rifle, a STRIBOG semi-automatic pistol, thirty-five rounds of 5.56 ammunition, and eleven rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other individuals initially arrested in connection with the case have since been released from custody.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool expressed deep concern over the increasing involvement of minors in violent crime.
“The frequency with which we are seeing young individuals entangled in gun-related crime is deeply troubling,” Vanterpool said. “This trend is not only a threat to public safety but a stark reminder of the urgent need for community intervention. We must work together—law enforcement, families, and community leaders—to steer our young people away from crime and toward positive opportunities.”
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Information can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can contact (284) 800-8477.
Former police officer Harris Walters was sentenced to 32 months in prison today after being found guilty of two counts of assaulting a minor. Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards handed down the sentence nearly ten months after Walters’ conviction, ruling that both sentences will run concurrently.
The charges against Walters stem from incidents dating back to 2014 and 2015. Prosecutors detailed that the first assault occurred in 2014, involving a child with whom Walters had a parent-child relationship. The court further heard that in July 2015, while accompanying the child to a police station on one of the territory’s sister islands, Walters engaged in inappropriate conduct. The child had traveled with him to visit a family friend.
Later that same month, prosecutors said Walters took the child to a hotel, where another act of assault occurred. The prosecution also revealed that he gave the child a sum of money.
The matter came to light when the child confided in her mother, leading to a police investigation. A subsequent medical examination at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital corroborated the allegations. Walters was arrested and charged following the investigation.
Despite maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty, Walters was convicted in the Magistrate’s Court and was initially released on $70,000 bail before sentencing.
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