Judge Dismisses Murder Case in Personal Trainer’s Death

Published
From left Berle Wallace and Christopher Smithers

The murder trial against Berle Wallace Jr concluded today when the judge accepted a no-case submission from defence attorney Wendel Alexander.

Wallace had faced murder charges in connection with the death of Christopher Smithers, a 36-year-old personal trainer who died from stab wounds in March 2022 outside Pita Pocket Restaurant on Popeshead Street.

Witness testimony during the trial revealed that Smithers initiated the physical confrontation.

Antigua.News Whatsapp Channel

According to court evidence, the incident began while both men were viewing Smithers’ phone, escalating when Smithers allegedly threw the first punch.

The altercation ended fatally when Wallace reportedly obtained a knife and stabbed Smithers.

The prosecution’s case appeared to falter due to insufficient evidence to support the murder charge.

 The judge’s decision to uphold the defence’s no-case submission effectively ended the proceedings, clearing Wallace of the charges.

This story was first published by Antigua News on February 5, 2025: antigua.news/2025/02/05/judge-dismisses-murder-case-in-personal-trainers-death. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Editorial Staff

About the author

The Editorial Staff refers to all reporters employed by Antigua.news. When an article is not an original creation of Antigua.news—such as when it is based on a press release, other media articles, letters to the editor, or court decisions—one of our staff members is responsible for overseeing its publication.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (8)

  • Ninika February 5, 2025, 2:53 PM

    ONLY IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
    Reply
    • Faithful National February 5, 2025, 11:42 PM

      Only have n Only in Antigua!
      Reply
  • Stone February 5, 2025, 2:56 PM

    Self defense I presume after all he hit me first and I had to defend myself
    Reply
  • jevonte hillhouse February 5, 2025, 3:02 PM

    whether he initiated the first punch or not. that does not give anyone a right to literally STEAL someone’s life. You niggas got internal issues yall need to sort out. and that’s coming from a black person myself.
    Reply
  • Island girl February 5, 2025, 3:08 PM

    Sad state of affairs in this little county. No one will ever get justice. So people will continue to take justice into their own hands. That is it
    Reply
  • Faithful national #1 February 5, 2025, 3:43 PM

    Time for a serious inspection of the DPP’s office. Was this killer charged also with lesser crime of manslaughter? How could killer walk, Scott free? Sickening!
    Reply
  • Mahailia February 5, 2025, 6:35 PM

    Nah man. Something wrong. So murderers just walking? That is something else. The megal system is so seriously flawed. I can’t believe this one. Nooooooooo
    Reply
  • Faithful National February 5, 2025, 11:42 PM

    Only have n Only in Antigua!
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section