Medical doctor denied bail on attempted murder and firearm charge

By Ronalda Luke-Pascal

Medical doctor Theodore Thomas of Sineku in the Kalinago Territory has been denied bail after appearing before the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau, on January 5, on a firearm-related charge and attempted murder.

According to the complaint, it is alleged that on January 2, 2026, at Steber Street, Pottersville,  the accused did attempt to murder Athena Dodds of Melville Hall, Marigot.

He is further charged with discharging a firearm, namely one Glock 19,  9mm pistol serial number BFVR493, within 50 feet of a public road, to wit Steber Street, Potterville.

During his court appearance, Dr. Thomas pleaded not guilty to the firearm charge, but he was not required to enter a plea on the indictable offence of attempted murder, as this is expected to be tried at the High Court.

The accused is represented by defence attorneys Wayne Norde, Gina Abraham-Thomas, and Joshua Francis, who made a bail application on his behalf.

In support of the application, Dr. Thomas testified as the first defence witness. He told the court that he has practiced as a general surgeon in Dominica since 2013 and described his work schedule as “demanding, with major surgeries booked throughout January.”

He stated that he is the father of “seven children, six of whom are minors dependent on him.”

Dr. Thomas further testified that he has known the Virtual Complainant (VC) for approximately four months and that he has been a licensed firearm holder since 2018.

Under cross-examination by State Attorney Kevin Julien, the accused acknowledged that there are other surgeons at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) capable of performing surgeries in his absence. He also confirmed that he was aware that the VC is hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and undergoing a second surgical procedure at the time of the hearing.

The defence also called consultant surgeon Dr. Korak Frederick, who testified that he examined Dobbs in the ICU on January 2, 2026. He stated that by the following day, she was “stabilised, conscious, well-oriented, and showing no signs of complications.”

Dr. Frederick further told the court that the VC was scheduled to undergo a second surgery because an exit wound from the bullet could not be located during the first procedure. He explained that the second surgery was intended to assist with healing and was “not expected to affect her stability.”

According to Dr. Frederick, the VC’s hospital stay should not exceed one week if no complications arise.

Under cross-examination, he acknowledged that surgery carries inherent risks. However, he stated that potential complications in this case were limited to minimal bleeding and possible infection, which could be treated and controlled and were not considered life-threatening.

Addressing the court on matters of law, defence attorney Wayne Norde said the bail application was made pursuant to Section 6 of the Bail Act, 2020. He argued that the defence had satisfied the statutory requirements for bail.

Norde submitted that Dr. Thomas had strong ties to Dominica, including property ownership, and would surrender to the jurisdiction of the court if granted bail.

He further posited that conditions could be imposed to ensure the accused’s attendance at court.

Moreover, the defence averred that denying bail would not serve the interests of justice, noting that there was no evidence the accused posed a risk to himself or the public.

Norde urged the court not to focus solely on the seriousness of the charge, noting that bail has been granted in cases involving more serious offences.

He argued that “prolonged detention during the preliminary inquiry could cause lasting harm not only to the accused but also to his patients.” He further reminded the court of the constitutional presumption of “innocence.”

In response, State Attorney Kevin Julien objected to the bail application pursuant to Section 4(3) of the Bail Act. He argued that bail was not available to the accused as of right and that granting bail would not be in the public interest.

Julien emphasised the seriousness of the charges and pointed to what he described as an increase in firearm-related offences in Dominica.

The state attorney also urged the court to consider the condition of the VC, who was undergoing a second surgery at the time of the hearing. He submitted that the accused’s work schedule should not be a determining factor and that his absence would not negatively affect hospital operations.

After considering submissions from both sides, Magistrate Kimala Alfred ruled that, “in light of the seriousness of the charges and the increase in firearm-related offences, bail would be denied.” She informed the accused that his attorneys were free to apply for bail in the High Court.

The matter was adjourned to March 31, 2026.