The Court of Appeal has wrapped up hearings regarding the appeals linked to the 2008 Bartica Massacre, with a ruling expected on March 11, 2026. The announcement was made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chambers following the conclusion of arguments in the case.
The appeals were initiated by Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams, Clebert Reece, and Michael Caesar, all of whom were convicted between 2016 and February 2017 for their roles in the brutal slaying of 12 individuals during the massacre. Tragically, both Mark Royden Williams and Dennis Williams passed away in 2023 and July 2024, respectively; however, their appeals were pursued on their behalf to contest their convictions.
During the proceedings, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Diana O’Brien, contended that the ongoing appeals were inappropriate, arguing that the right to appeal is statutory and does not extend beyond the death of the appellant under the Court of Appeal Act. She emphasized that proceeding with the appeals would be a misuse of judicial time and state resources, supporting her stance with relevant legal precedent.
On the other hand, Clebert Reece, also known as “Chichi,” and Michael Caesar, referred to as “Capone,” had previously pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Reece received a sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment with eligibility for parole after 30 years, while Caesar was sentenced to 60 years, with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Both men are appealing their convictions and sentences.
The appeals are rooted in the tragic events of February 17, 2008, when 12 people, including three police officers, were killed in Bartica.
