Murder of Titis in Martinique: 18 years sought against Giberne, 10 years against Lawson
The general advocate sought 18 years' imprisonment against Guylane Giberne for the murder of Curtis Caboul in 2022. Ten years were sought against Marvin Lawson, who was absent from the hearing.
Titis trial: prosecution seeks sentences against both defendants
The general advocate sought, on Friday, 18 years' criminal imprisonment against Guylane Giberne for the murder of Curtis Caboul, alias Titis, which occurred in September 2022, according to rci.fm. Ten years' imprisonment with an arrest warrant were also sought against Marvin Lawson, who did not appear at the hearing.
According to the prosecution, Giberne is responsible for the gunshots that caused the victim's death. In addition to the main sentence, the general advocate requested a ban on possessing a firearm for 15 years, a deprivation of the right to stand for election for 10 years, and the confiscation of the murder weapon.
The defendant silent during sentencing recommendations
Throughout the prosecution's address, Guylane Giberne remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground, without visible reaction when the general advocate stated that, in her view, there was no doubt that he had shot Curtis Caboul. His silence had already been noted throughout the trial: despite questions from the judge, his own lawyer and the civil parties, the defendant was reluctant to discuss the circumstances of the tragedy.
Before the prosecution's recommendations, the lawyer for Curtis Caboul's family had extensively accused Giberne. She relied notably on psychiatric and psychological assessments stating his immaturity and difficulties controlling himself in tense situations.
A bag of weapons and damning testimonies
The civil party also returned to several testimonies according to which the defendant would have held, on the evening of the incident, a bag containing weapons, which he would then have attempted to conceal. These elements were presented as further incriminating evidence by the family's lawyer.
Lawson, the "common thread" of the case
The general advocate emphasised the role played by Marvin Lawson, of whom neither his lawyers nor the court had news on Friday afternoon. According to the prosecution, he played a decisive role in triggering the violence on the evening of 22 September 2022.
He is notably accused of firing two shots into the ceiling of a kitchen with a weapon loaded with 13 rounds, causing a crowd movement that would have preceded the murder of Curtis Caboul. The general advocate presented him as the "common thread" of the case, arguing that events began with his intervention.
Alleged breaches of his judicial obligations, particularly regarding firearm possession and judicial supervision, are also being brought against him. Marvin Lawson is also cited in another case involving attempted murder, with a judgment scheduled for February 2027.
Ten years sought for violence with prior conviction
Against Lawson, the general advocate sought 10 years' imprisonment for repeat violence involving use of a weapon resulting in total incapacity for work, as well as for carrying a firearm despite a judicial ban. She also requested the issue of an arrest warrant.
Lawson is accused of shooting Steeven Giberne — brother of the main defendant — and wounding him the same evening. The lawyer for the latter, intervening as a civil party, asked the court to acknowledge what he describes as the defendant's "extreme dangerousness". According to him, Steeven Giberne learned with concern of Lawson's absence from the hearing and immediately took shelter in a secure location.
What comes next
The hearing was adjourned following the prosecution's sentencing recommendations. The defence's closing arguments are now to continue before the court withdraws to deliberate.
Source: Google News MQ — Crime