Three murderers apologise for killing Coast Guard officer

The three men convicted of murdering former Coast Guard officer David Thompson stood in the dock of the No. 2A Supreme Court on Friday and apologised to his family for their actions.

Earlier this year, Shaulon Rashidi Collymore of Lakes Village and Shaquille Jesse Romeo Goodridge of Belleplaine Housing Area, pleaded guilty to  murdering 28-year-old Thompson, between August 23, 2020, and August 26, 2020. Meanwhile, Andre Ricardo Watson, also of Lakes Village, pleaded not guilty and proceeded with a trial. He was convicted by a jury for the offence.

The three are to be sentenced on August 6 by Justice Elwood Watts.

“I just want to say sorry to the family. I hope society would forgive me for what I do,” Goodridge said.

Reading from a sheet of paper, Collymore stated, “Mr and Mrs Thompson, I had no right to take your son away from you or his family, and I want you to know that I am sorry for my actions…. I know that words cannot bring David back or take away the pain you have gone through these past few years, but I hope that my words will bring you some sort of closure. I pray that you will find it within yourselves to accept my apology.

“To my mother and father, I am truly sorry for the shame and disgrace I have brought to our family for my decisions. I made an unwise decision and I accept full responsibility for my actions,” he added, while thanking others for their support.

Saying he was “very sorry for the loss of David Thompson”, Watson added, “I never expected this would happen”, and asked the court for a chance.

Defence counsel Sade Simpson is counsel for Goodridge, Collymore’s attorney is Marlon Gordon, and attorney Kendrid Sargeant represents Watson.

Principal State Counsel Oliver Thomas and State Counsel Dr Zoe King represent the state.