DPP Plans to Appeal Dismissal of Dwayne Gabourel Murder Case

On Thursday, 27-year-old Dane Gillett was acquitted of the murder of 15-year-old Dwayne Gabourel. Gillett had spent over three years on remand at the Belize Central Prison.

Gabourel, a student at SJC, was fatally shot in September 2021 while on North Front Street. While surveillance footage captured the shooter, the shooter had his face covered. A police officer later identified Gillett by his tattoo and body type.

The High Court judge upheld a no-case submission, which led to Gillett’s release. Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal has confirmed that the ruling will be appealed.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters today, “I’m not the judge, so I can’t speak on the judge’s decision, but I’m glad to hear that the DPP plans to appeal.” Williams was asked about the FBI’s involvement in enhancing video evidence, a plan discussed in 2021. He responded, saying that since the DPP is moving forward with an appeal, it shows confidence that the case can still lead to a conviction. He added, “We’ll wait for the appeal and see what happens.”