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Catherine Pickering was shot in head & chest with AK-47 rifle- Court

- Murder accused Shameek Grant & Akeem Hopkinson to return to court on May 27, 2021
The two men charged for the robbery at Paraquita Bay on April 18, 2021, and the murder of Catherine Pickering, Shameek Grant, left, and Akeem Hopkinson, right, of Zion Hill, appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin. Photo: Facebook
An AK-47 assault rifle. The weapon used in the armed robbery and murder at Paraquita Bay has not yet been recovered. Photo: Internet Source
An AK-47 assault rifle. The weapon used in the armed robbery and murder at Paraquita Bay has not yet been recovered. Photo: Internet Source
Catherine Pickering died of her injuries on April 19, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
Catherine Pickering died of her injuries on April 19, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Catherine Pickering, the 67-year-old woman who was fatally shot during a robbery on April 18, 2021, at her residence in Paraquita Bay, Tortola, was allegedly shot in the head and chest with an AK-47 assault rifle.

This was revealed today, April 29, 2021, when the two men charged for the murder and robbery, Shameek Grant and Akeem Hopkinson of Zion Hill, appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin.

The two men have been jointly charged with Murder, Robbery, and Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life.

According to Director of Public Prosecutions Tiffany R. Scatliffe-Esprit, the weapon used in the crime, based on the ammunition recovered at the scene, was an AK-47.

4 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, used for AK-47 assault rifles, were also allegedly found in the bedroom of Hopkinson.

Scatliffe-Esprit said Hopkinson, who was unrepresented in court, allegedly told police Mr Grant had given him the weapon but denied committing the robbery and murder.

The weapon has not yet been recovered.

The prosecution is relying on a number of CCTV footage allegedly showing Hopkinson and Grant in possession of the AK-47, being in the area of Paraquita Bay on the day of the robbery and shooting and being in possession of a bag of cash.

The men were not required to plead to the indictable offences and will return to court on May 27, 2021, for report.

No bail application was entertained by the Magistrate.

More details to follow.

73 Responses to “Catherine Pickering was shot in head & chest with AK-47 rifle- Court”

  • Kojack (29/04/2021, 15:51) Like (70) Dislike (1) Reply
    Run ballistics on those spent casings to see if they match the ones at the scene where the guy was gunned down in the street while in traffic.
    • Honest citizens (29/04/2021, 17:17) Like (87) Dislike (3) Reply
      Now, people take a long hard look at the type of weapons that are making their way into the BVI to gun down our people. I don't know the victims, but gosh look what they carry with them to rob the people AND THEY KNOW the women were not armed ,but still packing a AK-47..WICKED set a demons
      • We know now (30/04/2021, 10:43) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        Such a weapon likely came in on the waters transport bypassing port officials.
        But our Government vehemently resisted and objected to additional and better equipped surveillance offered at no cost by the UK.
        Not a good look for the VI and its Government.
    • karma (29/04/2021, 18:10) Like (46) Dislike (2) Reply
      Big dummies got caught with their camera footage from Hopkinson's apartment LMAO and yes, I'm lovin it
    • Ballastics?? (29/04/2021, 20:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Is it possible to run ballistics without the weapon?
    • Ummmm (30/04/2021, 00:11) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      U don't think they no
    • Wrong Charges (30/04/2021, 02:52) Like (23) Dislike (3) Reply
      Let’s see if the prosecutor competent enough to get the murder and robbery charge against shameek to stick if he is on cctv footage in his apartment at the same time that the crime was going on. I hate to say it this early, but the prosecution already looking like they screwing this case up big time with questionable charges against two defendants. Both shameek and shemar shoulda been charged as an accomplice or accessory to robbery and murder, or with conspiracy to commit both crimes. The police alleged that only 1 male (akeem) was physically at the crime scene so its fitting he’s charged with robbery and murder. But the other 2 might walk on these current charges. The family of the deceased needs to put pressure on prosecution to look at the charges again. The other 2 couldn’t carry out robbery and murder if they weren’t at the crime scene but they are just as responsible because they are accomplices to the crimes!
      • Jaigon (30/04/2021, 07:30) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
        @ wrong charges, are you familiar with the term joint enterprise, well he don’t have to be on the scene to be also charge, once the prosecution can show that he conspired with the other, then bingo, he is part abs parcel to the crime. Correct charges laid. Read the laws and interpret them properly, don’t depend on your own thinking.
        • @jaigon (30/04/2021, 13:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          Did you actually read what @Wrong Charges stated? I think you guys are essentially saying the same thing aka “conspiracy” to commit robbery and murder.
  • strupz (29/04/2021, 15:58) Like (89) Dislike (5) Reply
    Just look @ them, two fools living a life they can't afford. To K**s, another man will be minding your thot.
    • wow (29/04/2021, 16:12) Like (7) Dislike (121) Reply
      what is your problem??
      Clearly, you seem to be jealous of the people lifestyle for you to be on here talking sh*t
      Go do something constructive and stop trolling.
      It's to see what you look like! on here hiding behind a device.
      • Savage (29/04/2021, 16:56) Like (42) Dislike (2) Reply

        Is that a lifestyle, your an @#%, where I come from women ,children and even the priest are not to be touched. Puta

        • Me to savage (29/04/2021, 17:13) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
          Where I am from, you touch women kids and the elderly, THEY ARE GOING TO CHOP YOUR HEAD OFF.
      • trrefdrfds (29/04/2021, 18:13) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
        What a totally pathetic thing to say! The guys are looking like wannabe gangsters. Check out the Facebook profile
      • Citizen (29/04/2021, 20:20) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
        Ain’t no one hiding for this one Cuz. Time and place will be offered to meet. Going to rob a innocent woman for petty cash with an AK is madness. She would have dropped the bag even if you didn’t have a gun but they decide to buss at everything moving. Minimum 35 years.
      • @SMH (29/04/2021, 20:43) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Since you not hiding behind a device, stop shaking your DAMN head and POST YOUR REAL NAME WOMAN.
    • Yeah bro (29/04/2021, 17:09) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      K**s, the THOT IS DAMAGED GOODS. THE ONLY ATTENTION SHE IS GOING TO GET FROM ANOTHER MAN IS PICKING UP A FEW QUARTERS THAT IS TOSSED TO HER WHILE WORKING THE POLE.
    • The Other Man (29/04/2021, 17:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      @strupz..... i was here long before this fam.....
    • Alas (29/04/2021, 22:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      And child...
  • Disgusted (29/04/2021, 15:58) Like (76) Dislike (0) Reply

    All involved should be found guilty of murdering this woman, it doesn’t matter who pulled the trigger. The most guilty of all is the disgusting one who planned it all/gave the info. It shouldn’t matter that he wasn’t there, she is dead because of his actions

  • Chop (29/04/2021, 16:02) Like (24) Dislike (1) Reply

    ******* done snitching, he a crash dummy. Can’t handle that AK so it jump and spray the poor woman.

    • trrefdrfds (29/04/2021, 18:15) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      He should have been there with the AK-47 in the first place
    • lost for words (29/04/2021, 19:15) Like (37) Dislike (0) Reply
      It wasn't like they were actually going to rob the station with plenty people around. It was a female. Why so much fire power. Heartless. They got the money, all they had to do was leave. Just like how she ran, they could have run too.
  • BIBLE (29/04/2021, 16:06) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    Bad association spoils useful habits ... do I say more?
  • (29/04/2021, 16:06) Like (39) Dislike (2) Reply
    Research says that weapon is used by soldiers and Terrorists. How did it get in here? - This made me cry- the lady
  • Bob (29/04/2021, 16:13) Like (42) Dislike (3) Reply
    Can’t handle that chopper and spray the woman, hope pumpkin spray ayo
  • WHAT!!! (29/04/2021, 16:18) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    gotta buy the bling
  • omg (29/04/2021, 16:28) Like (33) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wonder how much of that money will leave back after they hire a lawyer. Stupids
    • Lawyer??? (29/04/2021, 17:19) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      Lawyer? If he could afford one, a good one at that. Didn't he show up to court unrepresented?
    • Ric0 (29/04/2021, 17:45) Like (30) Dislike (0) Reply
      That 3000 would not cover the cost of a lawyer.
      Chances are the people of the VI will be footing the bill for these pieces of doo doo.
  • NICK (29/04/2021, 16:51) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    the gun has not been recovered, not good at all.somebody have it somewhere.
    • exactly. (29/04/2021, 17:48) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
      Exactly. It clearly means that more are involved. I hope they are caught too.
    • ... (29/04/2021, 20:02) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply

      *****  ch*** mother hid it.. She does be terrorizing people with gun.

      • Heard that also (30/04/2021, 01:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply

        The police need to have a nice chat with **********. Her hands is on the gun. The lady that was killed blood is all over ********** mother hands.Yeah mommy hid the gun. The two females you see on camera with the gun give it to mommy to hide.

    • Heartless and wicked set of demons (29/04/2021, 20:30) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Waterboard them and that foolish woman until they talk. This did not happen by no accident, bc the news on the other site say they were seen laughing and fist bumping at home after they killed the woman.
  • Oh my goodness (29/04/2021, 16:59) Like (29) Dislike (2) Reply
    Those bastards needs to be burned alive. Those bastards kill a innocent lady with a assault rifle. Down to the most hardest hardcore gangsters will not CONDONE THAT S**T. ONE OF THE STREET CODES IS MOTHERS AND CHILDREN IS OFF LIMITS. YOU DON’T F WITH ANYONES MOTHER AND CHILDREN. LITTLE TRINITY AND PENN KILLERS IS ABOUT TO GET TAG BUY THE GREEN LIGHT. MARK MY WORDS, JUST SIT BACK AND BOOM!!!!
    • That is what I heard (29/04/2021, 17:31) Like (22) Dislike (2) Reply
      THEY ARE OUT HERE ON THE STREETS LIVING IT UP AND IT IS TIME TO SHUT THEM DOWN. YOU PARENTS WHO PIKNEY WAS INVOLVED IN TRINITY AND PENN KILLING, THE GREEN LIGHT IS POINTED ON YOUR PIKNEY.
      • Confirmed (29/04/2021, 22:49) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        My very reliable STREET CI WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN WRONG INFORMED ME THAT THE GREEN LIGHT ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE LITTLE GIRL AND THE PENN DUDE. SO PARENTS IF YOU KNOW YOUR KID WAS INVOLVED IN THIS, TELL THEM TO TURN THEMSELVES IN BECAUSE THE GREEN LIGHT IS POINTED RIGHT BETWEEN THEIR EYES.
    • .... (29/04/2021, 19:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      Maybe it's those two are the culprits.
  • Ungrateful (29/04/2021, 17:06) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    you have to blame the co conspirator who worked in the family establishment for EIGHT YEARS. They trusted him , she probably was a mother figure to him and he betrayed her trust to the fullest. Shem should be Charged just as bad as those other two.
    • Query (29/04/2021, 17:40) Like (11) Dislike (13) Reply
      If the gun came to the VI by way of the ports, and prior to the additional and unwanted assist and unwanted and refusal (from the UK ),shouldn't our Government be held as
      accessory to murder?
      Could this be basis for a lawsuit by the victim 's family?


      • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (30/04/2021, 17:58) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The UK felt compelled to initiate more and better border pr o tecyiin.
        The VI must have known what the UK knew/suspected and what we all knew.
        Why the over the top objection by our Gov leaves much doubt...



  • Dis jus sad (29/04/2021, 17:19) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yow i dont blog i normally jus read...buh on a real note its a sad ting for how dis lady die & for wat?? A few $$$$...like her life had no meaning it hurts to see pple working so hard working to make ends met & for sum one to come take ur earningsi & to still kill her...jus sad no exuse, no reason & lost for words...to the fam keep strong...
  • Gangster But Snitching?????? (29/04/2021, 17:24) Like (38) Dislike (2) Reply
    "Hopkinson, who was unrepresented in court, allegedly told police Mr. Grant had given him the weapon but denied committing the robbery and murder."

    So these young boy who like to play make-pretend "gangster" already start trying to throw their fellow accomplices under the bus. WELL SAH, there really is no honor among thieves.

    • lmao (29/04/2021, 17:42) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
      You watch his little pot belly self and considered him to be a gangster? He’s a nobody with a dried up twig as a child mother struggling to make ends meet because them fast in them a$$ and wanted to have a “family” from young. He’s soft as a sponge.
      • I heard no lies (29/04/2021, 18:59) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
        "You watch his little pot belly self and considered him to be a gangster? "

        Lmaooooo, very true indeed. I'll make sure to take that into consideration next time.
    • @G but S (29/04/2021, 20:02) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      These are not thieves, they are murderers, there should be no houor
  • @ SMH (29/04/2021, 17:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    your responce is all about what strupz said and nothing about a human being whose life was taken away by someone you adore / if it was your mom would say the same thing ? And why don't you join them , am sure you will fit in perfectly ( set of wanna be
  • To Oh my goodness (29/04/2021, 17:44) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    I always pray that they find the killers for Franklin & Trinity because believe me GOD can't just let the blood of the innocent be spilled with no vengeance. Cute little angel, your justice is coming
  • Bite the Hand (29/04/2021, 17:52) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    A whole Lotta transplanted and imported bad parenting skills in this place.
    The future for the VI is dim. It's luster continues to be tarnished.
  • The TRUTH (29/04/2021, 17:58) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    Two dumb bastards
  • Sad but True (29/04/2021, 18:11) Like (21) Dislike (0) Reply
    For those who is out there wanting to rob ppl for they hard earned money and things...this should serve as a lesson..it's better to work long and hard to have what u want, rather than trying make short cuts in life..a innocent woman lost her life,really for what.now these guys will probably never see out side again...so much regrets then again if u live that life that's what u get sooner or later...R.I.P madam!
  • Keep her name alive (29/04/2021, 18:21) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Little Trinity killers is the next ones that is going to fall on the blade of the sword. They are the prey and the streets is the Hunter. Time for them to sit in the cage or the streets will be the JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER.
    • True to the word (30/04/2021, 01:30) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      All the killers is going to be revealed and flushed out one by one by the green light. The five people that was murdered in the BVI this year had the green light on them.
  • (29/04/2021, 18:52) Like (14) Dislike (2) Reply
    I miss her...all the time, everyday!
  • Mesage (29/04/2021, 20:17) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am hearing on media that the female hid the gun and she is being charge as an accessory to murder.
  • tell me (29/04/2021, 20:32) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    So where is Tyann Smith picture for the news.....we need to see them all...
    • @tell me (30/04/2021, 01:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don’t worry her picture and the rest of the culprits pictures will be posted. If their pictures is not posted like DUMB, DUMBER AND DIMWIT, the law will look like it is showing favoritism.
  • apology (29/04/2021, 21:31) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    Now that more details in this case coming out, the mother of ‘soK’ wasn’t wrong when she said he was at home at the time of the incident. Apparently there’s CCTV footage showing he never left the apartment and it’s the younger one who sped off on a scooter to Paraquita Bay with a weapon. Now I’m not saying the older one at home was innocent; by all accounts if he knew what was happening then he shares some of the guilt. But this is more for ppl who were quick to chastise the mother before all the facts came out.
    • Island boy (30/04/2021, 08:45) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      We all know you is a family looking out for you people . Thanks to the cctv cause them would never tell the truth .
    • To Apology (01/05/2021, 13:42) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      In her post she said “he was home BY HER” ... However, CCTV footage shows the idiot was Zion Hill in the apartment. She live Zion Hill? Go sit down! You must be another family member trying to justify the BS.
      If she so claim he was with her AND CAN ATTEST TO THAT, then lock her up too then. I guess she was part of the plot too since “she was with him.” They’ll definitely be together this time around though....... at Balsum ghut that is. That lil stupid criminal of hers is guilty as charged. NO EXCUSES!
  • dpp (29/04/2021, 21:47) Like (19) Dislike (2) Reply
    Let me just say on behalf the entire Territory that I hope and pray that Mrs Esprit and her team are ready to competently prosecute this case so we are not disappointed with the outcome, please, and thanks.
  • System check (29/04/2021, 23:25) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    These youths don’t want to work because the minimum wage might be too low for them. Have you ever think about that? Tortola getting expensive!
    • @System Check (30/04/2021, 09:32) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      But That Is Exactly The Reason Minimum Wage In Tortola Is Way Too Low..People Will Be Struggling For Years And Still Can't Afford To Even Get A Vehicle Much Less A Damn House...Living Here Is Hard So They Need Do Sumn About That...No One Wants To Work For A Lil Bit Of Money That Is Unfair Feels Like Slavery Still Abolished...The B.V.I Needs A Change To Help And Better The People Of The Country...I Know For A Fact If Any Of The Leaders Of The Virgin Islands Put Theirselves In People Situation To Understand How Persons May Feel If It Was They Themselves Had To Be Working For $6 a hour They Wouldn't Of Want That Pay At All...They Want Big Money One Time Just Like The Rest Of Us...What Make Ayo So Different We All Got A Family And We Got To Eat....Set Better Examples For The Younger Generation In The B.V.I...
      • Can't Go (30/04/2021, 12:39) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Earn more money is the answer.
        Work 6 jobs.
        Acquire a skill.
        Go to school.
        Earn a living that suits your needs.
        Move to Guiana,move to whatever place yonder that has infused your DNA,everything there cheap cheap to buy and to live, plenty thiefing and killing there if that is your potential and ability.
        If VI is not affordable,leave. Tis a big big world in which we live.
        Ghana begging people to return to the Motherland and giving land free...Go and be gone.
        Seek a life without being a parasite or a monster.
  • Balo Crew (30/04/2021, 06:32) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Breaking News: we the Balo Crew had our party last night. It was just the red one. He ate like a champ. Said it was sweet and tangy. Never knew he was a musician as he blowed the rusty trombone and blowed on a few pipes.

    Blackie next.
  • oh boy (30/04/2021, 08:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Apology, who ever you are why don't shot your A...... Let the shoe be on the other foot. Man it is high time for you all to call a Spade or Spade. As far as I see all should be charged with some charge in connection with the murder, like accessory
  • pumpkin (30/04/2021, 11:21) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    fresh meat coming balo i can't wait


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