Armed Escorts, Secret Jurors and Tight Security as High-Profile Triple Murder Trial Opens in Saint Lucia

The trial of three men accused in one of Saint Lucia’s most closely watched triple murder cases has begun under extraordinary security measures rarely seen in the country’s judicial system.

Proceedings opened before the High Court this week in relation to the 2022 killings of Samantha Eugene, Constant Thomas and Elisha Thomas, whose bodies were discovered at La Toc Road, Castries, on February 22 and 23, 2022.

Marvin Gabriel of Bois Patat, Castries, and Junior Herman of Odlum City, Castries, were charged in October 2022 following investigations by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. A third accused, Shem Bennett, was later arrested and charged on August 23, 2023.

The case has prompted an unprecedented level of courtroom security. Jurors have been sequestered for the duration of the trial and are being transported in a heavily guarded vehicle before entering the courthouse through a secure entrance. Authorities have also implemented measures to shield their identities from public view.

Security has been significantly increased both inside and outside the courthouse, with heavily armed officers from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Special Services Unit (SSU) deployed throughout the proceedings.

The heightened arrangements reflect the sensitivity of the case and the measures authorities have taken to protect jurors, court officials and all parties involved.

Gabriel has also been identified by police as a suspect in a separate investigation into the killing of a police officer. That matter is unrelated to the current trial, and no court has made any finding against him in relation to those allegations.

The trial is expected to continue over the coming days as the prosecution begins presenting its case against the three accused.

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