You can now listen to Antigua News articles!
Mellanson Harris
Mellanson Harris, convicted of the brutal murders of four tourists aboard the Challenger yacht in Barbuda in 1994, has been released from prison after serving 30 calendar years.
Harris, along with his accomplice Marvin Joseph, was originally sentenced to death for the gruesome killings that sent shockwaves through the nation and threatened to derail its crucial tourism industry. The murders were part of a planned robbery that went horrifically wrong.
The case took a significant turn when a court deemed the death penalty unconstitutional, leading to the commutation of both Harris’ and Joseph’s sentences. In 2016, they were re-sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of early release.
Now, after three decades behind bars, Harris has walked free. His release has stirred mixed emotions among locals and raised questions about the justice system’s handling of such severe crimes.
Harris’ co-accused, Marvin Joseph, remains incarcerated. The reasons for the disparity in their releases were not immediately clear, prompting calls for transparency from local advocacy groups.
The 1994 Challenger yacht murders stand as one of the most infamous crimes in the Caribbean nation’s history.
Four tourists were killed during what was supposed to be an idyllic sailing vacation.
Exactly what is the stama of the death penalty sentence in Antigua and Barbuda? Some enlightenment on this subject would be appreciated.
Wow. I would love to hear of the nature in which he killed these people. I was not even born when that happened, thats crazy.
Listen I have mixed emotions about this one. 30 years and he was given a life in prison sentence yet persons have to wait until they’re damn near 70 to retire.
You’re not even eligible for early retirement after serving for 30years in government service but he commits that heinous crime and is out after 30 years? Make it make sense please.
I want to see how he looks now, don’t want him near anybody for me
Why aren’t these people dead……..
The smile on his face in that old photograph shows no remorse for what he did to the four tourists. Now he is out on the streets amongst us the people! Lord Jesus Christ, protect and help us in this nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
I would like the courts to reconsider the death penalty. The person or persons who commits gruesome / premeditated crimes should be put to death by hanging or by lethal injection.
Like they say a life for a life. Antigua and Barbuda needs to stop following what other countries does. Talking about unconstitutional. Unconstitutional is when these people think they can do as they like without regards for human life or the law. THEY WILL KILL AGAIN