Syrian Community Concerned Over Lenient Sentence for Teen Killer of Roudi Shmali
He did nothing to deserve the way he was killed this way and his killer only received three years,” expressed Tony, a well-known Syrian businessman, who is frustrated with the sentence given to the individual found guilty of Roudi Shmali’s death.
On May 22, 2023, Shmali was shot and killed during a daylight robbery that went awry. Last week, the teenager who pulled the trigger was sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum penalty permitted under the juvenile sentencing guidelines in Antigua and Barbuda.
Many locals feel that the sentencing for such a serious crime is insufficient, and several Syrians we spoke to shared this sentiment. “I didn’t know him personally, but Syrians are family,” remarked one Syrian man who owns a tire shop, emphasizing that “Syrians don’t trouble no one. He should be sentenced to life.”
The defendant, who was just sixteen at the time, entered a guilty plea in May of this year and is now 18 years old. His sentence will be shortened by the 550 days he has already spent in custody while waiting for his trial.
Upon his release, he will be required to report to a nearby police station twice a week and adhere to a curfew from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Law enforcement will submit quarterly reports to the court regarding his compliance with these conditions, and any violations could result in a review of his sentence.
Additionally, another suspect in their twenties connected to the case is still awaiting arraignment proceedings.

About the author
Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.
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Comments (20)
AAB August 1, 2025, 11:29 AM
Tianna July 30, 2025, 1:22 PM
Anonymous July 29, 2025, 10:20 AM
1: Syria
2: chinese
3:Russians
You will hear about it.
Anonymous July 29, 2025, 10:12 AM
He did not give himself the gun when he got it why did he obey to do wrong? Could he not find a Police station and hand it over? Did he call names? Now I am thinking you may be his boss that gave him my job….. If the Syrian was your son, your husband your brother or your father. Would you be singing from the same him sheet?……. If he was a Jamaican or Guyanese, would you be saying the same thing?………..Hypocrites.
Teacher for Life July 28, 2025, 8:04 PM
Anonymous July 28, 2025, 6:50 PM
Apex Jones July 28, 2025, 6:12 PM
Informed citizen July 28, 2025, 4:37 PM
Bernard July 28, 2025, 3:53 PM
Maui July 28, 2025, 2:24 PM
Maui July 28, 2025, 2:20 PM
As far as I am concerned,bring back hanging ,and as gruesome as it may be do it in ARG, invite the public and televised it also.
With such a slap on the wrist other teens and those that encourage them to do all this foolishness will see that he was made an example of and what the consequences will be.
These asiatic laws need to be changed when it comes to crime and punishment in Antigua.
Anonymous July 28, 2025, 1:25 PM
LL July 28, 2025, 11:12 AM
Fair Justice for Roudi July 28, 2025, 10:50 AM
Kevin July 28, 2025, 10:33 AM
Rhea July 28, 2025, 10:31 AM
Milenda July 28, 2025, 10:28 AM
Terry July 28, 2025, 10:26 AM
Renae July 28, 2025, 10:22 AM
Antigua Surf July 28, 2025, 10:20 AM
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