Dorian Marshall Walks Free as Court of Appeal Quashes Murder Conviction
By Cory Wayland
The Court of Appeal has overturned a murder conviction and 40-year prison sentence, ruling that Dorian Marshall should not face retrial for the killing of Xavier Thomas.
Marshall’s conviction for Thomas’ murder on August 18, 2017, was quashed by the appellate court, which determined that flaws existed in the prosecution’s case against him.
In their judgment delivered Thursday, the three Justices of Appeal criticized the quality of evidence presented during the original trial.
The court stated that “the quality of the identification evidence was poor, and since there was no other evidence which supported its correctness, the learned trial judge…ought to have withdrawn the case from the jury at the end of the case for the prosecution and direct an acquittal.”
The original murder case involved three defendants, with Marshall being the only one convicted by the jury. The other two co-defendants saw no verdicts reached in their cases.
The appellate proceedings took place last October, with the court’s decision announced several months later. Marshall’s legal team consisted of attorneys Wendel Alexander and Wayne Marsh, while the Crown’s case was presented by Shannon Jones Gittens.
The Court of Appeal’s ruling not only reversed Marshall’s conviction and sentence but also explicitly prohibited any future prosecution attempts in connection with Thomas’ death, effectively closing the case against him.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/07/10/dorian-marshall-walks-free-as-court-of-appeal-quashes-murder-conviction. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
Hodges Bay Man Robbed at Gunpoint After Late-Night Taxi Offer on South Street
A late-night walk to the West Bus Station took a frightening turn when a man offering taxi services allegedly led the victim into a by-road, where an accomplice threatened him with what appeared to be a firearm.
By Cory Wayland
Churches to Unite in Prayer for Antigua and Barbuda Ahead of CHOGM
Christian leaders and intercessors from across the country will gather Saturday evening to seek divine protection, wisdom and peace as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome Commonwealth leaders.
By Cory Wayland
Antigua and Barbuda Strengthens Prison Rehabilitation Efforts Through UNDP-Backed Regional Training
Correctional and probation officers receive specialised training in crisis management, psychological support and rehabilitation as Caribbean countries work to reduce repeat offending and improve prison safety.
By Cory Wayland
Botchwey Eyes US$34 Billion in Projects to Drive Commonwealth Investment
Commonwealth Secretary-General highlights investment opportunities as she arrives in Antigua and Barbuda, while Foreign Minister Greene reports readiness for CHOGM.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (10)
Donna July 10, 2025, 3:19 PM
Stone July 10, 2025, 3:27 PM
Jermimah July 10, 2025, 4:02 PM
Juju Bee July 10, 2025, 7:24 PM
informed Citizen July 10, 2025, 7:28 PM
Drink wata July 10, 2025, 11:07 PM
Rhea July 11, 2025, 1:34 AM
Raheem July 11, 2025, 2:56 AM
Ben Simmons July 11, 2025, 1:31 PM
Sheesh July 14, 2025, 1:05 PM