Jahciba Shoy has been released on bail following the prosecution's decision to appeal the High Court's dismissal of the murder charge against him, according to Antigua.news.
The High Court on Tuesday granted Shoy bail in the sum of $10,000 with two sureties. No cash deposit was required as a condition of his release.
Shoy had remained in custody despite the murder charge being dismissed last week after prosecutors immediately filed a notice of their intention to appeal the ruling. Under the law, the filing of that notice delayed his automatic release, allowing him to apply for bail while the appeal process gets underway.
The murder charge was thrown out after the trial judge upheld a no-case submission brought by defence attorney Wendel Alexander, who argued that the prosecution had failed to present evidence capable of supporting a conviction.
Alexander submitted to the court that the Crown's case rested on suspicion and speculation rather than credible evidence linking his client to the offence. He further argued that it would be unsafe to place the matter before a jury given the evidence presented.
The judge agreed, ruling that the prosecution had not established a case for Shoy to answer and dismissing the charge accordingly.
The case stems from the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Syrian national Roudi Shmaly during a robbery at the Pick 'n Mix Mart on DeSouza Road in May 2023. Gunmen targeted the business in what investigators described as an armed robbery, killing Shmaly. The incident prompted an extensive police investigation that ultimately led to Shoy being charged.
As reported by Antigua.news, with the prosecution now pursuing an appeal, the legal proceedings remain ongoing. The Court of Appeal will determine whether the High Court was correct in dismissing the case or whether the matter should proceed further.
