A La Resource, Vieux Fort man, who was charged with killing his brother with a piece of iron, will only spend a few months of his three-year sentence for manslaughter.
Amos Sexius, who was initially charged with murder in the August 29, 2010 death of his brother Wayne Sexius in La resource, Vieux Fort, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but the judge discounted the conviction by 12 years based on mitigating factors, including reports that the deceased had been the aggressor and the defendant, Amos, had tried more than once to diffuse the situation.
According to the facts of the case, Amos and Wayne were attending a function with other family members when Wayne got into an altercation with an unnamed person. Amos also got involved in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
During the altercation, Wayne claimed to have been hit by Amos and turned his angry attentions to his brother. Amos left the party shortly thereafter in an attempt to avoid further confrontation with his brother. The court heard that his brother followed and proceeded to throw stones and other objects him (Amos).
The next day Amos attempted to speak to Wayne about the incident in the presence of some family members. However, Wayne armed himself with a wooden post and attempted to hit Amos who was removed from the scene of the altercation by his sister Fernella Sexius. In the process Wayne also threatened to shoot his brother.
A few hours later, Amos reported himself to the Vieux Fort Police Station saying that he had a fight with his brother and hit him in the process. Wayne’s body was found by the road side, bleeding. He was taken to the St Jude’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Wayne died as a result of a blow to the head.
Amos admitted to hitting his brother with a piece of iron he picked up after his brother threatened him with a wooden post.
He was charged on September 7, 2010 and indicted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on May 7, 2011.
On June 20, 2011, Amos pleaded not guilty to murder and on September 24, 2011, Amos pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea which was accepted by the DPP on that day.
A pre-sentence report indicated that Amos was well known as a peaceful and helpful man who loved his family and had helped raised some of his siblings. It also stated that Amos had expressed and continued to express deep remorse at his role in his brother’s death.
The same report also stated that of the Sexius brothers Wayne, the deceased, was often involved in serious altercations and aggravating behaviour.
In handing down the sentence, Justice Francis Cumberbatch stated that it was clear from the report and from the investigation into the matter that the deceased, Wayne Sexius, had been the aggressor. He also stated that the defendant, Amos, had tried more than once to diffuse the situation.
Justice Cumberbatch was mindful of the force used in the incident, however. He also noted that police reports stated that Wayne was inebriated at the time of the incidents.
Amos was sentenced to 15 years in prison with the following deductions: five years for his guilty plea, five years because he had been provoked by the defendant and two years for his cooperation with the police, and his genuine remorse.
His final sentence is three years at the Bordelais Correctional Facility where he will be credited for time served on remand whilst awaiting trial.
Amos Sexius, who was represented by attorney Daasrean Greene, has been on remand since August of 2010.