DOMINICA: Another Police Officer Charged in Jerbiah Paul Death Investigation

Another police officer has been charged as the investigation into the death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul continues to widen.

Police Constable Patrick Bethelmie Jr., 23, of Bense, has been arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition without a valid licence.
Bethelmie is reportedly the boyfriend of Jolie-Ana Naomi James, who was previously charged with the same offences in connection with the investigation.

Paul was reported missing on July 24. Her decomposing body was subsequently discovered in a village in northern Dominica by members of the Barbados-based Regional Security System, who assisted with the search.

James, of Lagoon, Portsmouth, appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Monday. She elected to have the ammunition charge tried summarily and pleaded not guilty. That matter was adjourned until November 2, 2026.

She was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge of perverting the course of justice, which is expected to be tried before a judge and jury.

The charge reportedly relates to allegations that James gave police a false statement concerning her alibi. That matter was adjourned until November 10, 2026.

Her attorney, Wayne Norde, informed the court that he intends to apply for bail and requested the relevant witness statements, interview records and access to the investigating officers in both matters. The bail hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026.

Several people, including serving and former police officers, have now been charged during the investigation.
Police officers Jean-Luc Langlais and Joshua Hamlet have been charged with Paul’s murder, while Police Officer Rennick Stevens has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Nyoka James, 21, has also been charged with perverting the course of justice.

The previously charged defendants are expected to return to court on October 2, 2026.