Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | Turks and Caicos Islands – A Grand Turk jury has delivered a not guilty verdict in the high-profile trial of Dominique Missick, 32, accused of a life-threatening shooting in Kew, North Caicos.
The decision, which concluded in early November 2024, has sparked mixed reactions, including strong disapproval from the alleged victim, Javaughn Fulford, who took to Facebook to express his frustration.
Background of the Case
The incident in question occurred on Thursday, January 12, 2023, in Kew, North Caicos, where Fulford sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Missick, who was arrested shortly after the incident, faced multiple firearm-related charges, which were later reduced following successful legal arguments by his defense attorney, Oliver Smith K.C.
By the start of the trial, held before His Lordship The Hon. Justice Chris Selochan in the Grand Turk Supreme Court, Missick was left to answer a single charge of unlawful wounding by shooting.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial lasted four weeks, with proceedings held three days a week. In November 2024, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict, clearing Missick of all charges.
According to a juror who spoke exclusively to Eagle Legal News, the evidence presented by Public Prosecutor Ms. Alima Alexis failed to definitively link Missick to the shooting.
“The case wasn’t clear,” the juror explained.
“We couldn’t satisfactorily convict that man when the evidence didn’t convincingly prove he shot Fulford. It just wasn’t that straightforward.”
Public Reaction
Fulford, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the verdict on social media, has reignited public debate about justice and accountability. However, the juror defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of reasonable doubt in criminal trials.
“What was interesting,” the juror added, “was how, at the end, after the not guilty verdict, the man—who’s supposed to be a big gangster—broke down and cried without shame, clenching onto his Bible. It was a clear expression of gratefulness to God for what He had done that day.”
The juror further stated, “I personally feel no regret. Justice isn’t about emotions or public opinions; it’s about the evidence, and in this case, it just wasn’t there.”
Defense Victory
Oliver Smith K.C., representing Missick, successfully argued for the dismissal of the initial firearm charges on a point of law upheld by the trial judge. His defense further persuaded the jury that there was insufficient evidence to convict Missick of the remaining charge of unlawful wounding.
The Aftermath
Missick, who had been remanded at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in Grand Turk since his arrest in January 2023, has now been released. His emotional reaction in court following the verdict—tears and a public display of gratitude—has left a lasting impression on those who witnessed the moment.
A Divided Community
The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding violent crime and justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While some applaud the jury’s adherence to the principle of reasonable doubt, others, including Fulford, question whether justice was truly served.
Eagle Legal News will continue to follow this story and report on any new developments.
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