Shantell Williams found guilty of manslaughter in fatal stabbing of common-law husband

Published by [email protected] at April 1, 2025

Posted: Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 7:37 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Thirty-year-old Shantell Williams is on remand at prison after being found guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law husband, 39-year-old Louis Adolphus. The fatal incident occurred at their home on Currasow Street, Belize City.

Justice Derick Sylvester delivered his verdict after a detailed review of the evidence, finding that Williams’ use of force was unjustified. The court determined that the stabbing, which resulted in a fatal wound to Adolphus’ neck, was not an act of lawful self-defense.

The prosecution presented evidence that the fatal argument stemmed from Williams confronting Adolphus over an umbrella believed to have been sent by another woman. The altercation escalated, and Williams stabbed Adolphus, causing him to bleed out. He was pronounced dead at 1:30 a.m.

During the trial, Williams maintained that she acted in self-defense, claiming Adolphus struck her with the umbrella and then attempted to attack her with a knife. However, inconsistencies in her statements and testimony worked against her.

One of the key witnesses was Adolphus’ brother, Emmerson Dominguez, who testified that Adolphus had called him in fear shortly before his death. Dominguez stated he overheard Williams telling Adolphus, “I nuh know why yuh call him because he cannot help yuh.”

Justice Sylvester found Dominguez to be a credible witness and noted that there was no prior record of domestic violence reports made by Williams against Adolphus. The defense, led by Attorney Leeroy Banner, argued that the prosecution failed to disprove self-defense. However, the judge ruled that Williams had a case to answer.

Ultimately, the court found that Williams’ account of events did not justify the fatal stabbing. The prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Shanell Fernandez, called 12 witnesses, including forensic experts and police officers, to build the case against Williams.

Williams has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison as she awaits sentencing.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.