11 days ago a Belmopan mother defended herself and child against a robber in Independence park. Gilda Abadi and her daughter were returning to their vehicle when they were held up by 49 year old Ronald Gibson who had a knife. Fearing for her life, Abadi pulled out her licensed firearm and shot Gibson in his stomach. He survived initially, but Gibson passed away from his injuries on Tuesday night and now the case has gone to the DPP. We asked the compol today if whether the claims of self defense will stand:
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Well, from our indications, the investigation is showing that lady acted in defense for herself and her child. It happened that the person died a couple of days after. So what we do is what we normally would do is to put together the file and we send it to the DPP."
Jules Vasquez
"Now, you know, we always speak about the justified use of lethal force. And one of the issues is always proportionality. Clearly, the woman felt she was under grave mortal threat. Understandably, it's she and her daughter. But are you concerned that perhaps it will not meet that threshold of proportionality to use lethal force against someone who is holding you up to rob you?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I do not think so. The woman and her child were together."
"The man accosted them to rob them. She ordered him to stop. He continued to make moves towards her. Generally, a man is stronger than a woman. She was armed with a weapon. Imagine him approaching her and would have been able to hold on to her, get a hold of her firearm."
"He certainly would have overpowered her, would have taken away that gun and maybe would have killed her. I don't foresee an instance where her actions would not be deemed justified, but I'm not going to be the arbiter of that issue."
"It is going to be left for the DPP. But from my legal standpoint, I do not see how that could happen. I believe she acted in self-defense."
We'll let you know what the DPP advises.
