Taylor and Sawyers Remanded to His Majesty’s Prison on Murder Charge in Sheldon Dias Killing

The two Mack Pond residents charged with the murder of 35-year-old Sheldon Dias have been remanded to His Majesty’s Prison after making their first court appearance, as the case into one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most shocking killings in recent memory moves into its formal legal phase.

Kyle Taylor, 29, and Candace Sawyers, 30, both of Mack Pond, All Saints, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel on Tuesday in connection with the killing of Dias. The charges stem from an incident on Friday, June 5, at Mack Pond, during which Dias sustained multiple injuries following an alleged altercation involving the two accused. Dias was allegedly attacked with cutlasses and a knife during the incident.

Taylor and Sawyers were immediately taken into custody and had been assisting police with investigations prior to their court appearance.

No Bail at Magistrate Level

Chief Magistrate Emanuel does not have jurisdiction to grant bail for offences of this nature. However, the accused can apply for bail in the High Court before a judge. Both accused are currently being held at His Majesty’s Prison pending those proceedings.

Committal Proceedings Set for August

Committal proceedings have been scheduled for August 26. The pair is being represented by attorney Wendel Alexander.

The killing of Sheldon Dias on June 5 horrified witnesses in the Mack Pond community, where multiple bystanders reportedly pleaded with the attackers to stop as the assault unfolded in broad daylight. Dias sustained severe wounds to his head and hand before succumbing to his injuries. The case has since become part of a broader public conversation about the escalating violence gripping communities across Antigua and Barbuda.