A 22-year-old man was sentenced to 21 years behind bars at the High Court today for the fatal shooting of his former partner, teacher Jenel Pollydore, during a wedding celebration in Linden last year.
High Court Sentencing
Justice Priscilla Chandra-Hanif handed down the 21-year prison sentence following Shaka Phillips’ guilty plea to the murder charge in August.
The case stems from a tragedy in July 2025, when Pollydore—who had given birth to a child with Phillips approximately four months prior—was attending a wedding reception with relatives and friends.
According to investigations, the victim had stepped outside the reception hall into the yard when she encountered Phillips, with whom she had ended her relationship. Witnesses reported that Pollydore attempted to flee, but Phillips pursued and shot her.
Background and Arrest
Prior to the fatal shooting, Pollydore had reportedly filed complaints regarding repeated threats made against her by Phillips, including during her pregnancy. The incident caused immediate panic at the celebration and left the community devastated.
Phillips fled the scene following the shooting but was subsequently tracked down and arrested in Linden. He remained remanded before the courts until entering his guilty plea in August, concluding the criminal proceedings with today’s sentencing.
