Judge Slams Six-Year Delay In Murder Case, But Trial To Proceed

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A supreme court judge has sharply criticised the state over an unacceptable six-year delay in bringing accused murderer Shakeem Munroe to trial, but has rejected his bid to have the case stopped.

Munroe, who is accused of murdering Lamar Moss in January 2021, argued that the lengthy delay breached his constitutional right to a trial within a reasonable time.

Justice Dale Fitzpatrick agreed that the state was entirely responsible for the delay, particularly its failure to produce a pathologist’s report for more than five years.

However, the judge ruled that Munroe had not shown sufficient prejudice to establish a constitutional violation.

The court acknowledged that the delay had taken a toll on Munroe’s life, subjecting him to years of electronic monitoring, curfew restrictions and financial burdens.

Despite strongly criticising the state’s handling of the matter, Justice Fitzpatrick dismissed the application, clearing the way for the murder trial to proceed.

Munroe is now scheduled to stand trial on February 22nd, 2027.