Sentencing hearing in two weeks in boyfriend’s murder

Sentencing submissions for Shaniqua Kadeesha Cecilia Clarke, who admitted murdering her boyfriend, Devitus Chase, will be heard in the No. 4 Supreme Court on October 23.

Clarke, now 31, of Helstone Lane, Gall Hill, Christ Church, pleaded guilty earlier this year to murdering Chase between October 18 and 21, 2022.

When the case was called on Thursday, the court was told the necessary reports were complete.

Justice Laurie-Ann Smith-Bovell adjourned the hearing until October 23 for submissions from acting Senior State Counsel Paul Prescod and defence attorney Sade Harris.

Clarke and Chase were in a relationship since 2018. They separated for a few months in 2022 before rekindling the relationship.

Clarke became involved with another man and told him about Chase, but did not inform Chase of her other relationship. Chase later told her that he had met someone else and that she should move on with her life, which infuriated her.

She told police she invited Chase to Welches Beach. The other man, whom she had asked to accompany her, was supposed to hide in the bushes while she and Chase talked.

She said after the other man ran up and began hitting Chase in the head with a stick as they sat on the sand, she panicked and stabbed Chase with a knife he carried.

(JB)