DPP Plans to Appeal Dismissal of Dwayne Gabourel Murder Case

On Thursday, twenty-seven-year-old Dane Gillett was acquitted of the murder of fifteen-year-old Dwayne Gabourel after spending over three years in jail awaiting trial. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, plans to appeal the decision. Gabourel, a student at SJC, was shot and killed in September 2021 while shopping at a convenience store. Surveillance footage captured the shooter, and although his face was covered, a police officer later identified Gillett by his tattoo and body type. Despite this, the High Court judge upheld a no-case submission, resulting in Gillett’s release. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams provides more details on the case. 

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I’m not the judge in that matter. I cannot speak to what the judge saw and what judge, what made the judge arrive at that conclusion. But I am happy to hear that the DPP has said that she’s going to appeal the matter.”

 

Reporter

“Sir,  in that matter you said in October of 2021 that police would be requesting assistance from the FBI through the U.S. Embassy to enhance the video and try to build a strong case. Was that ever followed through?”

 

Chester Williams

“From the time I hear the DPP said that she’s going to appeal, it’s because she, in her wisdom as well, do believe that we have sufficient tool. have secured a conviction. So we’ll wait for the appeal and see what goes on there.”