Teen Freed of Murder Charge in Businesswoman’s Killing

Nineteen-year-old Dennis Jimenez walked free from court after murder charges against him were dropped in connection with the 2022 killing of 35-year-old businesswoman Vanessa Acevedo. Acevedo was shot dead while closing her establishment in Ladyville when a gunman demanded money. Despite her cooperation, he pulled the trigger, fatally wounding her.

Jimenez, who was 17 at the time, had been charged with her murder. However, three years later, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi after the prosecution’s key witness recanted their statement. The witness, who had previously provided a statement implicating Jimenez, testified in court that they did not see anything on the day of the murder and could not identify the shooter.

Justice Derick Sylvester ruled that the caution statement and interview notes were inadmissible as evidence against Jimenez. With no further evidence to proceed, the case was dismissed. Jimenez was represented by attorney Leroy Banner.