Former Travis Parker Murder Accused facing 12-20 years for gun possession

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, January 24, 2023 – In an unexpected twist, despite being in possession of the gun that killed him, Akeem Lighbourne, the man formerly charged for the 2022 murder of TCI Hospitals employee, Travis Parker, had the charge thrown out, and is now facing time for possession only.

The now convicted criminal was held in July 2022 for trying to peddle stolen goods, some of which belonged to Parker, when the gun was discovered in his possession and he was summarily charged both for the goods and murder.

He appeared in court that same week but at a sufficiency hearing on Thursday, October 13, 2022, Lightbourne’s attorney, Sheena Mair brought written submissions claiming that the evidence on her client was insufficient and seeking that the case of murder not go to trial.

The Public Prosecutions office then discontinued the murder proceedings.

Akeem Lightbourne was however brought to trial and convicted of other charges relating to the firearms, ammunition and handling stolen goods and was scheduled to be sentenced this month.

Turks and Caicos gun laws were in 2022 amended and now convictions can attract a minimum sentence of 12 years but up to 20 years in the TCI Department of Corrections.