Dashay Williams Acquitted of 2021 Dangriga Murder After High Court Trial

Security was heightened at the High Court in Belize City today as police responded to reported threats against 29-year-old Dashay Williams, who was later acquitted of the 2021 murder of 14-year-old Kwami Williams of Dangriga.  Williams, an associate of George Street and the stepson of the late Gerald “Shyne” Tillett, was transported from the Belize Central Prison under tight security for the delivery of his verdict before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. Police maintained a visible presence around the court compound throughout the morning after Williams reportedly raised concerns about his safety.  Within about ninety minutes of the matter being called this afternoon, Justice Pilgrim delivered a not-guilty verdict in the murder case. However, Williams was returned to prison under heavy police escort because he has another pending matter before the courts.  Kwami Williams was fatally shot on August 5, 2021, on Umagarugu Road in Dangriga Town. The prosecution’s case largely relied on an alleged confession said to have been made by Dashay Williams to Charles Bradley, who later died before the trial commenced.  In his ruling, Justice Pilgrim said the court could not safely rely on Bradley’s hearsay statement to link the accused to the killing. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, emphasizing that only some of the required legal elements of murder had been established.  The court also heard that another Crown witness recanted portions of his earlier statement and was treated as hostile, while a third witness was unable to identify Williams as the shooter.  In his defence, Williams maintained his innocence, telling the court he was with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. His girlfriend also testified in support of his alibi.  Following the ruling, Williams expressed relief and again raised concerns about threats to his life, asking the court to consider his safety during future court appearances.  Despite today’s acquittal, Williams remains in custody pending his next court date on the separate matter.  Meanwhile, the family of the slain teenager was not present in court for today’s verdict. The case closes one chapter in the 2021 killing.