‘Iswe’ pleads guilty to murder; sentencing set for June 17

The young man accused of murdering his girlfriend Shonette Dover has admitted to the killing, bringing the long-running criminal matter a step closer to conclusion.

Shaquawn Alleyne, known as “Iswe,” appeared at the Demerara High Court before Justice Sandil Kissoon on Tuesday where he formally pleaded guilty to the offence of murder contrary to common law.

The indictment, presented by State Counsel Corbin, alleged that Alleyne murdered Dover in March 2021.

When asked by the court how he wished to plead, Alleyne responded, “Guilty.”

The court also sought confirmation that Alleyne had signed a written statement stipulating to the factual circumstances surrounding the offence and understood the basis of his guilty plea. He confirmed that he had done so.

Following the plea, the judge ordered a series of reports to assist in determining an appropriate sentence.

A probation report detailing Alleyne’s background and circumstances is to be prepared and filed by June 16. The court also directed that a psychiatric assessment be conducted by a qualified professional, with that report likewise due before sentencing.

The prosecution has been ordered to submit a statement outlining aggravating factors, along with any victim impact statements from Dover’s relatives or loved ones, by June 16.

Meanwhile, Alleyne’s attorneys, Fung-a-Fat and Dominique Bess, are expected to file submissions identifying mitigating factors the court should consider when imposing sentence.

The Guyana Prison Service has also been instructed to provide a report on Alleyne’s conduct while on remand.

With the reports expected to be completed within the next two weeks, the court has scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Before concluding the proceedings, the judge addressed Alleyne directly, encouraging him to reflect on his actions and seek forgiveness as he awaits sentencing.

The guilty plea means the matter will now move directly to the sentencing phase, where the court will weigh the seriousness of the offence, the impact on the victim’s family, Alleyne’s personal circumstances, and other relevant factors before determining his punishment.

Alleyne was arrested on January 19, 2024, at Moleson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, in connection with the murder of Dover, which occurred between April 3 and April 30, 2021, at Canvas City, Wismar, Linden. The murder investigation revealed that Dover, aged 20, was fatally shot and later buried in a shallow grave in Alleyne’s backyard.