Shamirika Gibson, a 23-year-old woman, was sentenced to seven years in prison on Wednesday for the manslaughter of 21-year-old Carol Davidson, a mother of two. Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh delivered the sentence at the High Court in Demerara, following Gibson’s guilty plea to the lesser charge.
Initially charged with murder, Gibson accepted responsibility for manslaughter after a statement of agreed facts was submitted. She was represented by attorney Madan Kissoon, while State Counsel Simran Gajraj, Christopher Belfield, and Geneva Wills represented the prosecution.
Before sentencing, Justice Singh reviewed various reports, including probation findings, a statement from Davidson’s family, and an assessment of Gibson’s behavior during her time in remand. The court also credited the time Gibson spent in custody towards her sentence.
The incident occurred on June 6, 2022, at the East Ruimveldt Squatting Area, where Davidson was fatally stabbed during a confrontation with Gibson and her sister. After sustaining a stab wound that pierced her heart, Davidson attempted to flee but collapsed and died soon after. A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death.
Investigators reported that Gibson provided a video-recorded account of the incident and cooperated with police during their investigation.
Prosecutors emphasized the seriousness of the attack, the emotional and financial toll on Davidson’s family, and the impact of her death on her two sons, aged 10 and 8. They called for a sentence that would deter rising violent crime.
While incarcerated, Gibson participated in various rehabilitation programs, including vocational courses in cosmetology, sewing, and culinary arts, as well as anger management. Prison officials noted her respectful conduct and compliance. During the court proceedings, she expressed remorse and apologized to Davidson’s family.
Justice Singh started with an 18-year sentence, making deductions for Gibson’s early guilty plea, positive pre-sentence reports, and her expression of remorse, while adding four years to reflect the impact on Davidson’s family. This resulted in a final sentence of seven years. The Guyana Prison Service will determine how much time she has left to serve, factoring in her pre-trial detention.
