A 50-year-old Mabaruma woman who admitted to unlawfully killing her reputed husband was yesterday sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Demerara.
Shandell Marcellino pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter in connection with the 2020 death of 49-year-old Collin Campbell at Golden Hole, Mabaruma, in the North West District.
The prosecution was led by State Counsel Rodley Mattoo and Senior State Counsel Cecelia Corbin.
In handing down the sentence, Justice Kissoon began with a base sentence of 12 years before reducing it to eight years after considering several mitigating factors. The judge noted that alcohol consumption by both Marcellino and Campbell contributed to the tragic incident and observed that the deceased died from a single stab wound.
Justice Kissoon also took into account evidence that Marcellino had endured years of abuse during the relationship. While acknowledging that she was, in some respects, a victim of the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation, the judge said she nonetheless bore responsibility for her actions.
Marcellino had been on remand for approximately six years awaiting the conclusion of the matter. That period will be deducted from her sentence, leaving her with about two years left to serve.
Campbell was killed during an altercation with Marcellino at their Mabaruma home in 2020. Following her guilty plea to manslaughter, the court proceeded directly to sentencing.
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