By Belize Live News Staff: A 2019 act of extreme violence has resulted in a 15-year, 4-month, and 20-day prison sentence for Shane Jones, 36, who was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Edwin Usher, 49. The sentence was handed down by Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who condemned the repeated acts of brutality as barbaric.
The fatal beating took place on November 23, 2019, on Vernon Street, where Jones and Usher got into an argument. Security footage played a key role in the conviction, showing Jones continuously punching and stomping on Usher’s head, even after he was motionless. Usher succumbed to severe brain injuries at KHMH on November 30, 2019.
In determining the sentence, Justice Pilgrim began at 16 years, adding 2 years due to the public nature of the attack and the excessive brutality displayed. However, he deducted 1 year based on Jones’ acknowledgment of accountability in his social inquiry report. Additionally, 1 year, 7 months, and 10 days were subtracted for time already spent on remand, bringing the final sentence to 15 years, 4 months, and 20 days.
Jones claimed he had been defending himself after Usher and another man allegedly took his money. However, the video evidence contradicted his claims, leading to his conviction. Initially charged with murder, he was later indicted for manslaughter.
Jones was represented by attorney Norman Moore, while the prosecution was led by Crown Counsel Glenfield Dennison. The sentence officially takes effect from December 19, 2024, when Jones was convicted.
