Jahciba Shoy Freed on Bail as Prosecution Moves to Appeal Murder Case Dismissal

Jahciba Shoy has been released on bail after the prosecution signalled its intention to appeal the High Court’s decision to dismiss the murder case against him.

The High Court on Tuesday granted Shoy bail in the sum of $10,000 with two sureties. No cash deposit was required as part of the bail conditions.

Shoy remained in custody despite the dismissal of the murder charge last week because prosecutors immediately filed a notice of their intention to appeal the ruling. Under the law, the filing of the notice delayed his release, allowing him to apply for bail while the appeal process gets underway.

The murder charge was thrown out after the trial judge upheld a no-case submission made by defence attorney Wendel Alexander, who argued that the prosecution had failed to present evidence capable of supporting a conviction.

Alexander told the court that the Crown’s case relied on suspicion and speculation rather than credible evidence linking his client to the offence. He further submitted that it would be unsafe to ask a jury to deliberate on the evidence presented.

The judge agreed, ruling that the prosecution had not established a case for Shoy to answer and dismissing the charge.

The matter stems from the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Syrian national Roudi Shmaly during a robbery at the Pick ‘n Mix Mart on DeSouza Road in May 2023.

Shmaly was killed after gunmen targeted the business in what investigators described as an armed robbery. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and prompted an extensive police investigation that ultimately led to Shoy being charged.

With the prosecution now pursuing an appeal, the legal proceedings are not yet over. The Court of Appeal will determine whether the High Court was correct in dismissing the case or whether the matter should proceed further.