BRIAN ALEXANDER FRANCIS has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of JUSTIN COX-BECKLES.
Based on the ruling handed down yesterday (January 07th), Mr Francis, 29, must serve a minimum term of 29 years and six months before becoming eligible for parole.
The court also ordered the destruction of the firearm recovered during the investigation. Mr Francis was found guilty on December 18, 2024, of the murder of Mr Cox-Beckles. He had been remanded in custody pending his sentencing.
Background of the Case
On Sunday, July 24th, 2022, the Police Control Room received a report of a male with a gunshot wound to the abdomen at Rock Plaza, Millennium Highway. The victim was later identified as Justin Cox-Beckles of South Caicos. Mr Cox-Beckles was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A murder investigation was immediately launched, and on July 26, 2022, Mr Francis, a mechanic residing on South Dock Road, was arrested and cautioned on suspicion of the murder of Cox-Beckles.
On August 4, 2022, Mr. Francis was formally charged with the following offences:
- Murder of Justin Cox-Beckles,
- Carrying ammunition,
- Carrying a firearm,
- Discharging a firearm, and ∙ Discharging ammunition.