The not guilty verdict in Devon Anglin’s murder trial hit the Barnes family hard.
Dora Ebanks, grandmother of Jeremiah Barnes, said she “wasn’t surprised” by the verdict.
“This is the way things work with the system,” Ms Ebanks said. “I fully believe Jeremiah’s parents about what they said they saw, even though it happened quickly. I am not surprised and as a result, it’s not a disappointment.”
Anglin’s mother, Katina, said she was “quite relieved” by the judgment. “The judge’s summation proved my son was not the killer,” she said. “My condolences go out to the parents and family of Jeremiah Barnes. The evidence in the court room only ascertained that my son could not have been the killer.”
The police officer who headed the investigation into the fatal shooting expressed sadness. Peter Kennett, who retired earlier this year from his post as detective chief inspector, said “I am very sad for Jeremiah’s parents, Dorlisa and Andy Barnes, with this not guilty verdict. They witnessed the tragic murder of their beautiful 4-year-old son and have always been totally adamant that Devon Anglin, a man they knew extremely well, was the person who fired the gun at their vehicle at Hell Service Station. “The corroborating evidence of enhanced CCTV images, gunshot residue, changing clothes and showering immediately after the murder were insufficient for the learned judge to convict,” he summarised.
Mr. Kennett said he could not speak for the Commissioner of Police because he is no longer employed by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, but he expressed doubt that the inquiry would be re-opened, “especially as the judge commended the investigation team for their thoroughness and professionalism.”
He concluded: “This is quite the saddest moment in my 40-plus years of policing both here and in the UK.”
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