By Ronalda Luke
A 30-year-old man from the community of Mahaut has been remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison on a charge of “Attempted Murder”.
Delon Victorine appeared before the St. Joseph Magistrate’s Court in connection with the February 25, 2025, shooting of Meshach Esprit and Ethan Jno Baptiste, both of Campbell. According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. in the Borne Repo area of Campbell, during which the two men sustained gunshot wounds.
Following police investigations, Victorine was formally charged with “Attempted Murder” and appeared before the St. Joseph Magistrate Court, where the charge was read to him. Given that this matter is an indictable offence, expected to be tried at the High Court, the accused was not required to enter a plea at his court appearance.
During the bail hearing, the prosecution objected to Victorine’s release on four grounds. They cited that the firearm allegedly used in the offence remains unrecovered and that one of the virtual complainants is still hospitalized at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. The prosecution also raised concerns that the accused could interfere with witnesses if granted bail and argued that granting bail would not be in the public interest.
In response, defence attorney Wayne Norde submitted that the prosecution’s objections were “not consistent with the provisions of the Bail Act”. He pointed out that Victorine had initially been arrested in February and subsequently released, during which time he did not interfere with any witnesses or virtual complainants before his re-arrest and formal charge.
Norde emphasized the constitutional presumption of innocence, arguing that “bail should not be withheld as a means of continued detention while police investigations are ongoing”.
After hearing both sides, the presiding magistrate ruled that bail would be reviewed in one month. Victorine was remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison, pending further proceedings.
The matter was adjourned to August 19, 2025, for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry. At that stage, the court will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the matter to the High Court for trial.