Committal Hearing Delayed for Woman Accused in Death of 9-Year-Old Chantel Crump
The woman accused of murdering nine-year-old Chantel Crump will have to wait until next year to learn whether her case will proceed to the High Court for trial.
Angela Mejia, who remains on remand at His Majesty’s Prison, appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel this week, but her scheduled committal hearing was adjourned after her attorney, Wendel Alexander, was not present. The hearing has now been set for February 11, 2026.
The delay marks yet another chapter in a case that has gripped the nation since March, when the tragic death of young Chantel sent shockwaves through communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
On March 15, 2025, residents of the Weatherills area made a horrifying discovery when the body of nine-year-old Chantel Crump was found in nearby bushes, hours after she had been reported missing. Police quickly launched a massive investigation, leading to the arrest of Angela Mejia, a woman known to the victim and her family.
The incident sparked an outpouring of grief and anger, with candlelight vigils and public calls for justice spreading across social media. Schools and church groups organized tributes in Chantel’s memory, describing her as a cheerful, bright student with “a smile that could light up a room.”
Mejia was charged shortly after the discovery and made her first court appearance in March, where she was remanded to prison pending completion of the police investigation and preparation of the case file.
According to reports, the file is now with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to move the case forward to the High Court for trial.
The February hearing will decide if the matter is formally committed. Until then, Mejia will remain in custody as the legal process continues.
The case remains one of the most emotionally charged criminal matters of 2025, reigniting conversations about child protection, community vigilance, and the pace of justice in serious crime cases.
At this point you wonder if she will eever get justice
All road leads back to the day this beautiful child went missing, to the moment her body was found lifeless, to now, justice is being delayed. Time enough the hurting and damage comes to an end. We crave peace
Justice for chantel crump tho
This is a way of saying she’ll walk free?
So her lawyer didnt she up? Common sence prevailed. Hope he never shows up
Vigilante justice will never end because the court system continues to fail us
That case will dissappear and its heartbreaking.
Come on, fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, let’s do the count down together. ADJOURNMENT # 1 Stay alert on this one. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER SHE WILL PAY for the ABDUCTION AND MURDER of nine-year-old CHANTAL CRUMP. Not even Robinson Crusoe and his PÌC, SINBAD the SAILORMAN can stop the tide in this one. Fellow law-abiding citizens, PAY ATTENTION!Ÿ
They really just need to get this matter over with. The family is suffering
Justice delayed shouldn’t mean justice denied. hoping the case moves forward soon for little Chantel and her family.
Seem as if they treating Angela like the victim