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Akeem Hopkinson sentenced to 32 years in prison

- sentencing was done today, March 10, 2025
Akeem Hopkinson, who was found guilty of the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering on February 25, 2025, was today, March 10, 2025, sentenced in the High Court. Photo: Facebook/File
Pickering, 67, was fatally shot in the head and chest with an AK-47 assault rifle in her Paraquita Bay home on April 18, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
Pickering, 67, was fatally shot in the head and chest with an AK-47 assault rifle in her Paraquita Bay home on April 18, 2021. Photo: Team of Reporters
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Akeem Hopkinson, who was found guilty of the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering on February 25, 2025, was today, March 10, 2025, sentenced in the High Court.

Hopkinson was sentenced to 32 years in prison by High Court Judge Rajiv Persaud.

He was convicted on all four charges: murder, robbery, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possession of a prohibited firearm.

Hopkinson was sentenced to 32 years for murder, 19 years for robbery, 17 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and 7 years for possession of a prohibited firearm.

With the sentences to run concurrently, Hopkinson will serve 32 years in prison, including time already served.

Brutal murder

Catherine Pickering, 67, was fatally shot in the head and chest with an AK-47 assault rifle in her Paraquita Bay home on April 18, 2021. 

The murder occurred during the robbery of Maricel Pickering, and eight individuals, including Hopkinson, were charged with various offences as a result of the incident that night. 

Hopkinson was found guilty by a jury on the counts of Murder, Robbery, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life. 

Shemar Robinson

Shemar Robinson had also pled guilty to Robbery and received a term of five years and nine months, factoring in time served, with the possibility of parole after three years, provided he undergoes counseling.

Meanwhile, Shameel Grant, who was charged with Robbery and Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, was acquitted following the Judge’s ruling to uphold that he had no case to answer. 

10 Responses to “Akeem Hopkinson sentenced to 32 years in prison”

  • Real Macoy (10/03/2025, 15:22) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    That was so sad for the family of Catherine Pickering. I think the gun man should get life and the others get 25 years each in prison. Who cant hear will feel. These youngsters don't want to work at all. They just want to get rich really fast.
  • ... (10/03/2025, 15:36) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
    32 years for liking ma
  • Headline incorrect (10/03/2025, 15:41) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why does your headline say 23 years? It is 32 years. Should have been life!
  • Company (10/03/2025, 15:52) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    Imagine getting 32 years for following company and the company on the streets free!

    poor thing I hope these youngsters see that liking man will put u in jail!
  • Me (10/03/2025, 16:01) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Not a local but my taxes have to provide for him. Thisshit hurts me
  • Watch Idle Hands (10/03/2025, 16:18) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    That lady was such a lovely soul. Young People, please stop following bad company and use your own head. Don't let others use your head for you. Would you have wanted anyone to do this to your mom for a few dollars? Think young people. No, it is not worth it. Now you have blood on your hands. Stay WOKE. Learn a trade and take it seriously. There is a lot of money to be made if you pursue an honest living. People in neck ties will have to come to you to get their cars fixed, their plumbing repaired, their electrical problems fixed, and so forth. Even yard work pays a lot these days. Fixate on the right things and you will be fine. Blessings to the youths!
  • Laslow (10/03/2025, 16:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    A young woman life cut short for foolery.
    R.I.P. Mrs. Pickering.
  • Jerry (10/03/2025, 16:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    We may tend to rejoice over this sentencing. But its sad on all fronts. A blessed innocent lady is gone and this youngster is now sent away. The truth is that this youngster appears to have fallen through the cracks - he was and is in serious need of mental help. Seems like he was somehow overlooked.
  • Wow. Not good. (10/03/2025, 16:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Please young people, control your temper, control your emotions, think of the consequences of your actions before you act..Respect authority..Walk away is Godly, its Mature, Confrontation is Satanic and immature....Learn from what you are reading...This is not good..


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