Attorney Criticizes Delay in Inquest Into Death of Jamaican Inmate at Antigua Prison
Attorney Wendell Alexander is calling out what he describes as an “unjustifiable” delay in convening a coroner’s inquest into the death of Jamaican national Chinley Robinson, who died in prison under suspicious circumstances earlier this year.
Robinson, who was remanded in December 2024 on a charge of stealing a $400 cell phone, was found unresponsive in his cell in January 2025. Superintendent of Prisons Trevor Pennyfeather told Antigua News at the time that initial findings suggested Robinson may have been strangled. A subsequent post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as anoxia, trauma to the neck, and cardiac failure.
Alexander, who represents Robinson’s family, said the continued silence from authorities has left relatives “in the dark for months” and damaged public confidence in the justice system.
“I think I have a problem with the length of time that these coroner’s inquests are taking,” Alexander said. “Matters which have become cause célèbre should be dealt with expeditiously and let the chips fall where they may.”
He said the delay not only prolongs the family’s grief but also undermines trust in law enforcement. “It diminishes the public perception of the police,” he added, urging authorities to consider assigning additional magistrates or coroners to handle the backlog.
Alexander noted that in other cases, he has had to seek High Court orders to compel the convening of inquests after as long as five years.
Robinson’s death has raised broader concerns about oversight at His Majesty’s Prison, where he was reportedly sharing a cell with another inmate believed to be the prime suspect. That prisoner has since been released. Pennyfeather said the facility locks down at 4:30 p.m. with hourly checks, but admitted that incidents may not always be immediately detected. He said recruits are now receiving additional training to strengthen prison security.
As of now, there has been no official update from the Coroner’s Office or the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda regarding when the inquest will be held or when findings will be released.
Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers previously stated that the matter remains under investigation and that decisions on further action will be guided by the outcome.
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