Woman who stabbed boyfriend is ‘changed woman’

A woman who fatally stabbed her boyfriend during an argument three years ago told the Supreme Court she was “a changed woman” who regretted her actions and would accept whatever punishment the court deemed fit.

Shenika Melinda St Pierre said: “I want to say that a lot of people in today’s world do not know what remorse is, but I do. I have come to accept whatever punishment the court deems fit, and I am kindly asking for persons not to see a criminal, but someone who has made a mistake, while under the influence, and who is also suffering, hurting and accepting of this whole situation.” 

St Pierre, of Garden Land, Country Road, St Michael, was found guilty by a jury last November of the murder of Herbie Callender, 56, formerly of St Barnabas Heights, St Michael, on March 28, 2022.

Reading a prepared statement from the dock of the No. 5 Supreme Court, St Pierre apologised to Callender’s family, the court, and her own relatives.

She said: “My actions on March 28, 2022 not only ruined one family, it ruined two – taking Mr Callender from his mother and five children, and separating me from my three children. I am not proud of what took place, and I will never be. I never meant for this to happen.”

Insisting that lies had been told against her, St Pierre maintained that there had been no premeditation in her actions and that she had been drinking at the time of the incident.

“Even though I was intoxicated, I would not harm someone who wasn’t doing me anything. I am not mad to inflict wounds on someone for no apparent reason. Too many lies were told in this court against me… I am telling you that I never premeditated to kill Mr Callender. Why would I premeditate to kill him? And after I realised that he was injured, I sought help immediately to get Mr Callender to the hospital, but I take full responsibility for my actions. Right now, I stand here, not as a premeditator or an aggressor, but as an individual, a victim of circumstances.”

St Pierre recalled passing out in the bathroom that night from drinking alcohol, being awoken, showering and then returning to drinking, admitting, “I strongly believe this would not have gone this far if I was not intoxicated.”

“I am extremely sorry for my actions. As I render this apology, I am kindly asking the court to have leniency on me. My apology cannot bring back Mr Callender, a person I liked a lot, but my being sentenced will bring a degree of satisfaction to the families, especially his mother, who I admire a lot for her strength.”

She quoted scripture and spoke of her faith: “Truth, after all, is ultimately known only by God… I made a mistake four years ago, and that is a lesson I have learned… He did his part, and now it is time I do mine to obtain the freedom of peace He purchased for me… I want to apologise once more and to ask persons to see me as an individual, not a criminal. I made a mistake, and I have to live with it for the rest of my life. I am a changed woman.”

Justice Pamela Beckles set sentencing for April 16.

Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Krystal Delaney prosecuted the case, while defence attorney Sian Lange represented St Pierre.