By Elesha George
Alexta Francis, who is accused of killing St Peter MP Asot Michael, has been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison (HMP) and will remain under maximum security until his next court hearing on February 5, 2025.
The 26 year old allegedly killed the politician inside his home last Tuesday, November 5. Francis appeared in court Monday morning where he was officially charged with Michael’s murder.
According to Superintendent of Prisons, Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather, Francis will be housed in separate quarters from other prisoners, matters relating to his personal hygiene will be isolated, and special conditions will be given to prison officers who will have direct contact with him. Sources close to the matter said Francis and his mother have received death threats and so these measures are also to ensure his safety and security while in prison.
The court session on Monday commenced unusually early, wrapping up before the standard 9 am start time. Reports indicate that Francis has confessed to the crime; however, authorities have yet to establish a clear motive. Officers from Scotland Yard are now assisting in the investigation, working to uncover circumstantial evidence that might support the prosecution’s case. His next court appearance is on February 5 for committal proceedings – where it will be decided if his case will go to trial in the High Court.
The murder of Asot Michael, a sitting MP, marks an unprecedented incident in Antigua and Barbuda’s history, amplifying public interest and concerns around the case. If Francis is convicted, sentencing will follow the Eastern Caribbean Court’s guidelines for murder. The chief justice’s guidelines recommend a multi-step approach to sentencing, considering factors such as the seriousness of the offence, aggravating and mitigating circumstances, and any guilty plea. These guidelines are intended to provide a starting point, with judges required to justify any deviation from them.
Potential sentences for an adult convicted of murder include death, a whole-life term, or a determinate sentence, with adjustments possible in cases involving mental illness. Francis’ sentencing will ultimately depend on the trial’s outcome, with the court set to consider all relevant factors under these legal standards.
