Nicholas Swazo, Guilty for the Murder of “Shiney” Tillett

Nicholas Swazo

Nicholas Swazo, the man who was on trial for the shooting murder of George Street gang boss, Gerald “Shiney” Tillett, was found guilty of the crime on Tuesday. The trial without a jury started almost three months ago before Supreme Court Justice, Antoinette Moore in the southern session, but Justice Moore had reserved her decision. During the trial, the prosecution called thirteen witnesses, three of whom were afraid to testify.  So a provision was used to allow for those witnesses’ statements to be used as evidence in the trial. Gerald Tillett had been among a group of people who were socializing at Wadani Shed, a recreational spot in downtown Dangriga on the night of April sixteenth, 2016. According to eyewitnesses, Nicholas Swazo entered the establishment and opened fire on the unsuspecting Tillett, while he was playing cards.  One of the bullets struck him in the head and he later died at the Western Regional Hospital.  Two businessmen were also hit in the melee.  Swazo, who also suffered gunshot wounds when one of the men fired back, was confined to a hospital bed at the Southern Regional Hospital before he was released to Police custody a week later.  Justice Moore has set aside June twenty-third as the date for mitigation pleas and sentencing for Swazo.  The convicted was represented by attorney Oscar Selgado and the prosecutor was Senior Crown Counsel, Javier Chan. Tillett’s son, Gerald Tillett Junior, was slain a few weeks ago.