Attorney Wendel Alexander appeared in St. John’s Magistrates Court on Wednesday to represent Angela Mejia, the 20-year-old woman accused of murdering nine-year-old Chantel Crump.
Alexander told the court that Mejia is entitled to legal counsel as the case proceeds through the justice system.
The child’s body was discovered on 15 March in a bushy area at Weatherhills following a three-day search. Chantel had been abducted on 12 March, about 100 feet from her home in Gray’s Farm. Police allege she was lured into a silver Honda by a female driver who then drove away with her.
Mejia first appeared in court on 17 March under heavy police security and has been remanded at His Majesty’s Prison since then.
When she appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel today, her committal hearing was adjourned until 5 November.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Every person accused of a crime, has the right to due process.
The courts would not work if there were no defence lawyers.
When a person is arrested and mirandised, they are advised not to speak until a lawyer is present.
Stop castigating Wendell Robinson for doing his job.
Let the law take its course and trust the process.
Murderers are convicted daily with the best lawyers as the evidence proves the case, not the skill of the lawyer.
Wendell ROBINSON: What do you have with that? Look you just upset the whole nation
This is why people are fed up. This is why people lose faith in the system. It feels like the killers and the criminals get all the protection, and the victims are left with tears and graves.
You sound dunce
So let me get this straight ….Mr head doh good at all….So Wendellllllllllllllllllll….somebody accused of snatching and killing a nine-year-old baby, and she still has a lawyer standing up in court defending her? 🤬 This is beyond madness! How can any attorney, with a conscience, look at the grieving family, look at what this child went through, and then calmly say, “my client has rights”?
Everybody deserves due process
Win! Lose! Draw! Attorneys still get paid. Some will even hide, the #truth in plain sight to win their fight.
This is a very interesting case. It would be a feather in some reporter’s cap, if they could ascertain #who’re or who is paying her legal fees, or Wendell Alexander is doing some pro bono work.
The accused seem to be well insulated within some #order, #klan, #clAn, #posse, #union, #gang.
Jumbee Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
Some people like to criticize, but numbers don’t lie. The HDI is an international standard, and we’re climbing higher each year. That’s proof of progress.
And now this accused woman is sitting in court with lawyers talking about “rights”? What about Chantel’s rights? What about her right to grow up, to laugh, to go to school, to live her life? She’ll never have those chances again. Her family will never heal from this.
So let me get this straight ….….So Wendellllllllllllllllllll….somebody accused of snatching and killing a nine-year-old baby, and she still has a lawyer standing up in court defending her?
Robinson, I thought you were the man who represented poor innocent people.
If she is denied representation then the system fails
Growing up, nearly any attorney on the TV show Justice was my role-model. But the main 2 were AG Cutie Benjamin and attorney Wendel Robinson. I can honestly say, Wendel Robinson/Alexander is still a role model of mine, and more so for taking this case.
There is no one on this earth that hates injustice, unfairness, and corruption than I do. I want to see due process (fairness) in every situation. Attorney Wendel Robinson did the right thing in appearing on behalf of this defendant.
If there has been no determination on whether it is a homicide, along with cause of death, no matter how much you hate the defendant, she should be released. I hate seeing this, I feel pain from injustice.
I will speak this way if any of you are victimized by incompetence in this way, you could have been the worse human on planet earth, I am fighting for your right to due process.
Wendel needs to file a motion to dismiss based on speedy trial violation and motion to dismiss based on lack of probable cause (also bad-faith and egregious conduct of the police and prosecutor). Some of them needs to spend a few months locked up themself.
Just a bunch of hypocrites we are. No doubt the killer was wrong, but now you all want the opportunity to take away her rights to a defense? Come on. If it was one of your children or your parents you would want someone to fight you case. Let us stop being hypocrites. He without sin cast the first stone!
Lawyers love to hide behind “everybody has rights” but what about the rights of Chantel? She had the right to come home safe, the right to go to school, the right to laugh with her friends. All of that gone in the blink of an eye. And now we must watch somebody in a suit defend the very person police say destroyed that little girl’s life?
Well done Robinson. Show them how dumb this justice system really is. Mek them know, u got ur money so she cabt go jail. Cause lodge have plenty plenty power Inna this corrupt country. Me them know the female lawyer done pay to cover her ass. Ok peltiair
Wendell motto: Because you do it no mean you guilty.
Judging from the comments, multiple persons appear to have witnessed the murder firsthand. Can one of you show up in court to testify to that effect?
The woman has a right to representation, and the investigators and prosecutors have a responsibility to present a compelling case. Why put this on Wendell? If he has no right representing her then by that same reasoning the jury should just render a guilty verdict, without considering the evidence. I for one hope someone is punished for this heinous crime but let’s allow the law to run its course.
Why everybody jumping on Wendell? This the man job this is what he does and everyone deserve a representative in court. The shit is though! when this first went down I think he was called out for being her lawyer but failed to admit.
Before any court appearance or hearings, all I want is the true result of Chantel death that was promised to us months ago, then we can move on.
@ Boogie I like your twist on the motto. Anyway, with all the negative comments levelled against Wendell, we all need to remember the motto that underscores the criminal law is that ONE IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. This motto applies inspite of how horrendous the crime.
To say I am shocked and appalled would be an understatement! I AM FREAKIN LIVID!! Where were you sir when Chantel’s family needed help navigating the legal system? Yet here you are proudly representing the accused who led the police to little Chantel’s body!
That’s why people Fi Tek matters in them own cuz of the shit up system here I swear. We too soft man.
Just a bunch of hypocrites we are. No doubt the killer was wrong, but now you all want the opportunity to take away her rights to a defense? Come on. If it was one of your children or your parents you would want someone to fight you case. Let us stop being hypocrites. He without sin cast the first stone!
Criticism of Attorney Wendel Alexander for representing Angela Mejia is misplaced and undermines one of the most fundamental principles of our justice system.
Under the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to a fair trial, which includes the right to legal representation. Section 15 guarantees protection of the law, and Section 18 ensures that anyone accused of a crime has the right to defend themselves in court, either in person or through legal counsel of their choice.
Furthermore, the Legal Profession Act imposes a professional duty on attorneys to provide representation, even in cases that may attract public anger or disapproval. Lawyers are officers of the court, and their role is not to condone alleged crimes but to ensure that justice is carried out fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
Without legal counsel, the entire judicial process would be compromised, opening the door to wrongful convictions and violations of human rights. It is precisely in the most difficult and emotional cases that the rule of law must stand firm.
Mr. Alexander is fulfilling his professional and constitutional duty, and his work should be respected as an essential safeguard of Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic and legal system.
Time will tell
If i know Wendell very well, all your criticims are like a Dasheen leaf in the rain.
Now I understand how illiterate people in this country are. That spanish woman or any other person CANNOT go through a murder trial without a Lawyer. If she cannot or any other murderer cannot afford a Lawyer, the state is duty bond to provide a Lawyer for her or them. If you listen to when FBI or any other law enforcement officer make an arrest, they will tell you that you have the right to remain silent because what you say may be taken down in writing and use against you in evidence. If you cannot afford a Lawyer one will be provided for you. Attorney Wendel Robinson did nothing wrong. What he did is legal. If he didn’t represent her, the state MUST provide one for her if not, the case cannot proceed in court. She is still innocent until proven guilty. So you idiots who criticizing Wendel Alexander Robinson, instead of being a jack ass and idiots on social media, take time and study the law. This is not Antigua Law. This is international Law. The challenger Yacht triple or double murderers, they had Lawyers, and nobody say anything.
Wendel i know you will give her your best representation. Please begin by examining the alleged confession and how it was obtained. I don’t need to go into the law too much.
The public’s outrage should be geared towards the alleged accomplice not Angela.
Well done Attorney Wendel Alexander. Even if you didn’t represent her legally, the state would get another Lawyer to represent her and if no attorney in Antigua want to take the case, the Government would have to bring in a Lawyer to represent her. All them fools who behaving as if they witness Chantels murder, please come forward and speak the truth. You all sound like you all know what happened. We need justice for Chantal but if the Spanish girl is tried without a Lawyer, the case will be thrown out of court for want of prosecution. Where is Audley Phillip on this one. . Now is the time to speak or you choose when to speak for people to love you.
He is no super lawyer and I highly doubt the wicked bitch Angelena is getting off. As long as the ptosecution dot their “i” and cross their “t” this bish is getting 25 years to life
#bookmarkthiscomment
Shame on you people.. what would Jesus do ? He without sin cast the first stone….
If ever there was a high profile court case that needed some sort of legal intervention from an outside defence team in this very emotive case into Chantel’s horrific kidnapping and murder it is this one.
Yes I know, it would set a legal precedence. But why not in very difficult and disturbing cases?
The UK’s Privy Counsel already interferes with certain court cases right here in Antigua. Why not send one of their defence lawyers – or a team of them – to deal with this very sensitive and emotional murder case as well?
Wendell Robinson will sadly find himself in a lose lose situation whatever the outcome. Here’s a couple of reasons why:
One, for taking up the case, and two, the possibility of his public persona (which could undoubtedly be a much bigger loss) if by some chance he wins on the behalf of the accused.
Just my personal opinion.
Remember Mr. Robinson/Alexander did not admit initially to be representing her.
Could it be that in the absence of legal representation he was assigned as he defense attorney by the Government?
Ask yourselves this: if we lived in a world where only victims and alleged victims had all the rights, and alleged perpetrators had none (no right to prove oneself innocent or redeemable), how much more just would this world be?
I understand the principle but it just seems you would set limits. I can hear my secondary school literature teacher, Mrs Miller, shout (Atticus Finch- To kill a mockingbird) but it can be argued that he believed in Tom’s innocence while Alexander seems to be more doing this for attention. Have to admit though that Angela has some similarity with Tom due the prejudice Antiguan’s have against persons from the DR. Alexander may just be the current version of Atticus.
Why everybody jumping on Wendell? This the man job this is what he does and everyone deserve a representative in court. The shit is though! when this first went down I think he was called out for being her lawyer but failed to admit.
Before any court appearance or hearings, all I want is the true result of Chantel death that was promised to us months ago, then we can move on.
Judging from the comments, multiple persons appear to have witnessed the murder firsthand. Can one of you show up in court to testify to that effect?
The woman has a right to representation, and the investigators and prosecutors have a responsibility to present a compelling case. Why put this on Wendell? If he has no right representing her then by that same reasoning the jury should just render a guilty verdict, without considering the evidence. I for one hope someone is punished for this heinous crime but let’s allow the law to run its course
Criticism of Attorney Wendel Alexander for representing Angela Mejia is misplaced and undermines one of the most fundamental principles of our justice system.
Under the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda, every person charged with a criminal offence is entitled to a fair trial, which includes the right to legal representation. Section 15 guarantees protection of the law, and Section 18 ensures that anyone accused of a crime has the right to defend themselves in court, either in person or through legal counsel of their choice.
Furthermore, the Legal Profession Act imposes a professional duty on attorneys to provide representation, even in cases that may attract public anger or disapproval. Lawyers are officers of the court, and their role is not to condone alleged crimes but to ensure that justice is carried out fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law.
Without legal counsel, the entire judicial process would be compromised, opening the door to wrongful convictions and violations of human rights. It is precisely in the most difficult and emotional cases that the rule of law must stand firm.
Mr. Alexander is fulfilling his professional and constitutional duty, and his work should be respected as an essential safeguard of Antigua and Barbuda’s democratic and legal system.
Wendel I know you will give her your best representation. Please begin by examining the alleged confession and how it was obtained. I don’t need to go into the law too much. Let the idiots under AntiguanewsROOM who knows nothing continue to rage and act like asses. You do you and make your money!!
Are you a jack? or an ass? or just an absolute Jackass? How can we gear the outrage to him if the b**** Angela refuses to say that she didn’t kill Chantel single handedly. Matter of fact let’s curse the authorities for believing this. because the incident happened with his car and at his house and when asked by a neighbor what he was doing he cursed them. to give you knowledge he was in that car with Angela. soooooooooooooooo, Angela needs to speak the truth so we can talk on this!!! trust the authorities to protect such a man.
It will be almost impossible to get a impartial juror on this case, and Wendell knows it..that would be his defense.
Look at the Vybes Cartel case.. this case have similarities, since there is no cause of death given by the pathologist.
I want this girl to rott in prison, but I have serious doubts about the strength of this case.
Remember folks, beyond a reasonable doubt to prove capital murder.
I’m not mad at this lawyer, my anger stays with this inept AG and the terrible legal system in Antigua.
We are still in the days of the “good ole boys system” and this young lady seems to be highly connected.
I’m sorry folks, but the color of one’s skin and where their family ties comes from, is still a thing in this world and more so in the Caribbean.
Shame on you people under Antiguanewsroom comments, what would Jesus do? He without sin cast the first stone.
Listen, as furious as we all are, we also have to remember how the justice system works. Robinson isn’t standing up there because he supports what Angela Mejia is accused of, he’s there because every person, no matter how vile the crime, is entitled to a defense. That’s the law, and without it, we wouldn’t have a fair system.
It doesn’t mean Robinson condones the killing of Chantel. It doesn’t mean he’s heartless. It just means he’s doing the job he swore an oath to do: making sure the process is fair, and that justice is carried out properly. Because if the system cuts corners for one person, it could cut corners for anyone, even innocent people.
Yes, it feels disgusting to see a lawyer defend someone accused of killing a child. Yes, emotions are raw, and we want immediate punishment. But if Robinson didn’t step in, someone else would have to. That’s how the system protects itself.
At the end of the day, the evidence will speak, the jury will decide, and justice will have its say. Robinson’s role doesn’t erase the horror of what happened to Chantel, it just makes sure the case is airtight and cannot be overturned on technicalities.
Thing is she needed representation but Wendel knows how sensitive that matter is he should have known better. Secondly the country is still hurting about the chantel matter…so I understand the rage amoung residents
No matter which lawyer took the case, some people would still react the same. She is entitled to legal representation!!! That’s how the JUSTICE SYSTEM works!
He is just doing his job like it or like it not
ANR stop editing my comments. Y’all vex because I said the good lawyer has lost ALOT of cases in the high court!!!! Or the fact he has to convince his clients to please guilty!!!! Like the PM brother and the Lucian that unalived the customs officer!!!! Y’All just like ABS
I get that the immediate instinct is to sympathize with the victim (Chantel). After all, loss and harm are real, wounds are real, and those who have endured injustice and suffering deserve every support possible. Yet justice, in its most valid form, is not built on sympathy alone. It is built on fairness, on the delicate equilibrium between protection and accountability. If we were to strip away the rights of the accused simply because they are accused, we would unravel the very foundation of justice.
A world where victims hold all the rights may appear, at first glance, more compassionate. However, in reality, it would be a dangerously unjust act. Allegations, no matter how sincerely believed, are not always the truth or fully accurate. Mistakes happen. People lie, misremember, misunderstand, or even coerce and manipulate. If an accusation alone, no matter how grave, is enough to condemn. Then fact and innocence become irrelevant, and justice becomes nothing but vengeance dressed up in dignified language.
Equally troubling is the elimination of redemption. Human beings are fallible. Some people commit the most heinous acts of harm out of ignorance, fear, immaturity, or even under circumstances they later regret, like mental health issues, drugs, and substance abuse. Denying the accused the opportunity to atone or to demonstrate change is to deny the human capacity for growth. Such a world would be even more unjust; it would be crueler, more unforgiving, and ultimately more destructive to the very social fabric it seeks to protect.
The balance of rights is not about favoring perpetrators over victims, or victims over perpetrators. It is about ensuring that truth and fact have the space to emerge. Victims must be heard, believed, and protected. But accused persons must also be allowed the chance to defend themselves, for without defense, there can be no truth. Without the complete truth, there can be no justice.
Justice is not about tipping the scales entirely to one side; it is about ensuring the scales remain steady, even under the weight of pain, anger, and outrage. A society that forgets this risk replaces one form of injustice with another, more extreme form of vengeance, retribution, and ultimately tyranny. Remember, “an eye for an eye leaves us all blind!”
I am begging Gaston Browne. Please shut down all the schools and UWI. After 70 years of free education, we have failed miserably. We must have some of the dumbest people under the sun. Our education system has failed and continues to fail. I thought Americans were dumb, ignorant and stupid. But now I realise that Antiguans and Barbudans cannot reason or understand. Poor us.
If she couldn’t get a lawyer the government would have to provide her with one
I just read an exact word to word duplicate copy of my earlier comment, reposted by some clown who goes by the name “Henry” the only difference is the huge space between paragraphs.
Now that’s some lame shit.
As the one time head of law enforcement, you owe this country this- to stay away from certain cases. I know although the court ruled that you were to be paid XYZ for your dismissal they government has not paid you. Just like successive governments have done to Elroy Defrietas refusing to pay him after wrongfully dismissing him and taking the case right up to privy council. He still carry himself with certain principles and standards.
So to you my learned lawyer, you should not be taking this case on the matter of principle . This is not about you versus the government which you always seem to relish and understandably so. This is now you against the people of Antigua and Barbuda. This is about you vs Chantel . This is you vs Chantel’s parents and family. This is about you versus the teachers and children of five islands primary school. This is you against every parent and child in Antigua.
Now just support the murderer gets off because of some loophole in the law or changes. Then you see celebration in the Spanish community. What would you do.
Let her people spend their money and bring in a lawyer. Lawyers from other commonwealth countries can practice here.
Don’t tell me it’s about the money. You have more than enough cases here . In fact you are dropping points in representing your clients. You have too many cases in the court and have people cases being put off over and over because you are in another trial. Work on developing a chamber that is second to none. You need good legal aids , a proper secretary and a next good lawyer that can take simple cases and win them by your guidance. You need a good junior lawyers sitting in court and handing you notes. This will be for sustainability in your business/ practice.
All you are forging for is to become an enemy of the state and the good people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Wow! My points exactly @ Frankly Speaking.
The judiciary needs to look into very sensitive and rare court cases like this one that has had a debilitating and disturbing effect on the citizens of Antigua & Barbuda, and they should look into the possibility to call on independent judges and lawyers from overseas.
Maybe it’s to late in the Chantel murder and kidnapping case, but surely for the foreseeable future.
I really applaud your rational analysis …👏🏾
Comments are closed.