The verdict came on the three-year anniversary of the shooting in Antigua that led to the deaths of Benjamin and Catherine Mullany.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, – Three years exactly to the date that British honeymooners Benjamin and Catherine Mullany were shot at a resort in Antigua, two men charged with their murders as well as the killing of a Jamaican shopkeeper were convicted of the crimes.
After more than 10 hours of deliberation that ended after 11 o’clock last night, Kaniel Martin, 23, and Avie Howell, 20, were found guilty of murdering the Mullanys in their cottage at Coco’s Resort, and Woneta Anderson two weeks later.
Justice Richard Floyd, who presided over the almost two-month trial, scheduled sentencing for September 26, by which time social inquiry reports and psychiatric reports on the two should be completed.
After more than 10 hours of deliberation that ended after 11 o’clock last night, Kaniel Martin, 23, and Avie Howell, 20, were found guilty of murdering the Mullanys in their cottage at Coco’s Resort, and Woneta Anderson two weeks later.
Justice Richard Floyd, who presided over the almost two-month trial, scheduled sentencing for September 26, by which time social inquiry reports and psychiatric reports on the two should be completed.
The prosecution has reserved its decision as to whether it will seek the death penalty for Martin and Howell who showed no emotion as they heard “guilty” a total of three times each last night.
Their families, however, stood outside the court screaming and crying and insisting that justice had not been served.
Reading a statement from the family of the slain couple, UK Detective Sergeant Ian Bourne said: “We will never be able to comprehend the senseless nature of their deaths, the total disregard shown for human life, and that no remorse has even been shown.”
The Mullanys, who were to return to the UK the next day, were attacked and robbed of cell phones, cash and other items before being shot in the head on July 27, 2008. Catherine died on the spot while her husband succumbed to his injuries in Wales a week later, after being pronounced brain dead and pulled off life support.
Anderson was also shot in the head while in her shop on August 8, 2008.
Martin and Howell are still facing two other murder charges. They are due to be tried for the deaths of Syrian national Tony Louisa and university student Rafique Harris at the next Assizes which opens in September.
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