The High Court has dismissed all charges against 27-year-old Jahciba Shoy, ending his prosecution in connection with the fatal armed robbery at Pick ‘N Mix Mart on DeSouza Road that claimed the life of businessman Roudi Shmaly in 2023.

Shoy had been facing charges of murder, aggravated robbery and manslaughter. However, the case was thrown out after Justice Tunde Bakre upheld a no-case submission by defence attorney Wendel Alexander, finding that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence for the matter to be put before a jury.

The prosecution’s case relied largely on surveillance footage showing Shoy walking alongside the eventual gunman minutes before the robbery. Prosecutors also argued that Shoy was carrying a shoulder bag similar to one later seen in the possession of the then 16-year-old who fatally shot Shmaly during the robbery.

But Alexander maintained that the evidence was based on speculation rather than proof and was insufficient to establish that his client had participated in the crime.

Speaking to ABS News following the ruling, Alexander said the prosecution had failed to present evidence directly linking Shoy to the robbery or the killing.

“That is simply not enough and I was able to argue that it was too risky to leave that case of speculation and suspicion to the jury,” the attorney said.

Justice Bakre agreed, dismissing the charges and bringing the case against Shoy to a close.

The robbery at Pick ‘N Mix Mart shocked Antigua and Barbuda when Shmaly was fatally shot during the armed hold-up.

The teenager who pulled the trigger was previously convicted of murder. Because he was 16 years old at the time of the offence, he received the maximum sentence then available under the country’s juvenile sentencing guidelines and served three years in prison.

The ruling means no further criminal proceedings will continue against Shoy in relation to the case.