Cordayro Joseph who died in his prison cell back in September 2018.
The High Court of Justice in Antigua and Barbuda has ruled against the Attorney General’s request to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a grieving mother seeking answers about her son’s death while in prison custody. The court’s decision allows the case to move forward to trial.
On May 9, 2025, the court dismissed arguments urging the dismissal of Sheryl Inigo Joseph’s claim on technical grounds, highlighting that the unique circumstances surrounding the case necessitate judicial examination, despite the Attorney General’s objections.
Joseph’s lawsuit demands compensation for negligence, breach of statutory duties, and misfeasance in public office in connection with her son’s death. Cordayro Joseph is believed to have died by suicide on September 24, 2018, while serving time at His Majesty’s Prisons.
In her court filings, Joseph states that she attempted multiple times to get information from the police regarding the circumstances of her son’s death but received no response.
She also claims that the coroner failed to initiate an inquest into his death as mandated by section 10 of the Coroner’s Act, despite her repeated requests.
The mother reports enduring “years of frustration, emotional distress, anxiety, health issues, and damage” due to the lack of closure surrounding her son’s death.
Her claim alleges that both the Coroner and the Commissioner of Police breached their duties of care to her.
Instead of filing a defense, the Attorney General sought to have the case dismissed entirely. Joseph is represented by attorney Wendel Alexander, while Deputy Solicitor General Carla Brookes-Harris represents the Attorney General.
In his ruling, Justice Michel underscored the significance of allowing Joseph’s claims to be evaluated on their merits, stating, “the interests of justice require that allegations of such a serious nature regarding a death in state custody not be dismissed without proper examination of the evidence.”
A grieving mother… I sympathize with you. May you find some level of comfort if the verdict goes in your favor
Sheryl, I applaud u. Continue to fight for the justice of your son.
There have been many cases of negligence, breach of statutory duties, and misfeasance in public office at these public institution such as the police force & the hospital and they all been pushed under the carpet. No proper accountability what so ever. Many parents like u are hurt for the malpractices taken place with their love ones
This is a big win for accountability. It is a huge plus and advantage for his family as well as the family of the young man who was allegedly killed in prison recently. I just hope that the prison authorities are taking steps to ensure that these things do not happen anymore to prisoners in their care. Ultimately, these issues might costs tax payers huge sums of money.
The rope had to burst some time AG hope you fall down hard
Ok so first and foremost, while it is essential for grieving families to seek answers regarding the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths, one could argue that the court’s ruling might set a precedent that encourages an influx of similar lawsuits. I studied law when I was doing a degree in psychology so I know about the system
Furthermore, the decision may also reflect deeper systemic issues within the prison system that need to be addressed. In my view, and its just my view, it is crucial to ensure that while individual cases are examined, the focus should also be on reforming the structures that contribute to such tragic incidents.
Ultimately, while seeking justice for individuals like Sheryl Inigo Joseph is important, the broader implications for the legal system and prison reforms cannot be overlooked. The focus should be on creating a system that prevents such tragedies in the first place.
Mr just made me afraid of sending my daughter on the school bus. How many of him are lucking behind the wheel looking for little girls.
AG wanting to shut out the mother? Is it because she seeks the answers? The same answers we seek for the Jamaican national who was also killed in prison and yall trying to rule it as foul play? What would we think if Antigua.News weren’t following the case close up? Hope they follow this one as well. A little justice is needed and voices are heard quite well. Mommy I grieve with you and we as a nation deserve answers
She deserves answers cause she deserves peace. Losing your son in the care of police may just be by their hands as well. Can’t put nothing pass the law enforcers
So sorry for your loss me lady. I pray you find peace in this time of hardship. Only you know the pain that you endured.
Some children can put their parents through a whole ton of shit