18 year old Robert Gillett pleaded guilty the manslaughter of maid Mara Naomi Garcia while his 17 year old brother John Chessman took his chances in a trial and got off free. According to police and evidence, Chessman was the master-mind behind the gruesome killing, but today, three weeks after taking the rap, Robert Gillett who was suppose to be sentence this morning saw his fate put on hold.
That’s after Gillett spoke to the court saying that he was sorry for Garcia’s death. But he added, “but I did not kill the young lady and I do not know who did…” He further said, “I was around the scene, but am willing to take some responsibility.” And while he saying he did not kill Garcia, he maintained his guilty plea. He then added that he is begging the court for leniency. It was at this point that Judge Lucas interjected and asked Gillett what he meant by being willing to take some responsibility.
After a brief adjournment where Gillett spoke with his attorney, Anthony Sylvester, he then told Judge Lucas that he did not know they would kill the young lady when he went outside. Hearing what Gillette then had to say, Judge Lucas told his attorney that it appears his client is not taking any responsibility for Garcia’s death.
With that, Judge Lucas had to hear from Prosecutor Ramirez, who then said that the act was a joint enterprise. And that’s why late this evening, Judge Adolph Lucas adjourned the case because the prosecutor, Senior Crown Council, Cecil Ramirez needed time to do a further research on joint enterprise and be able to show the court that the evidence that was presented in court proved the charge of manslaughter.
The case resumes on May 7 when the judge will determine what course to take.
