DPP argues for extra time for prison farm killer

| 24/01/2018 | 53 Comments
Cayman News Service

Sabrina Schirn

(CNS): The director of public prosecutions has argued that the court can impose a longer prison sentence on Randy Martin than the 30-year term defined in the Conditional Release Law. Martin appeared in court Wednesday for a hearing to determine the time he will spend behind bars for murdering Sabrina Schirn in March 2009. Cheryll Richards QC said that there were several aggravating factors in the “horrific attack” at the prison farm that could justify a longer term.

Martin (45) murdered Schirn (21) in a brutal and shocking machete attack when she visited him at the farm property in East End which was being used by HMP Northward. Martin was serving a seven-year sentence at the time for aggravated burglary and possession of ammunition and the case caused significant controversy. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to life behind bars in January 2010 after denying being the killer. But the fact that he was able to commit such a shocking crime while serving as an inmate raised alarm in the community and led to the closure of the farm.

The police were also criticised for their investigation as friends and family believed that they were not taken seriously when they reported Schirn missing and the RCIPS failed to engage in a full search. After her car was found hidden in the bushes by a local farmer, it was friends and family who conducted painstaking searches in the area and eventually found her body.

Now, almost nine years after Schirn was murdered, there are still many unanswered questions about what motivated Martin to kill the woman who was regularly visiting with him, reportedly willingly engaging in sexual activity at the farm and also bringing drugs to him.

During the trial evidence was read from a witness who had been too scared to testify that implied Martin may have believed that Schirn had something to do with the gang-related shooting of his brother. At trial the court had heard that Martin had a number of clippings in his cell about the trial of Sheldon Brown, the man convicted of attempting to murder Fernando Martin.

Martin appealed his conviction in August 2010 but it was denied.

When he arrived in court Wednesday, the convicted killer sat quietly in the dock, largely impassive, but he occasionally smirked and shook his head as Richards described the brutal killing.

During the trial the court had heard how Schirn had numerous defence wounds and chops to her back and the back of her head, indicating that she had tried to defend herself and run away. Richards said that Martin had gone to meet Schirn armed with the machete, even though he had admitted that the meeting had been intended as a sexual encounter, and that he had deliberately borrowed a pair of gloves earlier that day from a fellow inmate. These, she said, along with other evidence had shown a degree of planning that aggravated the crime.

Richards said that during the brutal and prolonged attack Schirn “must have realised” her fate, adding to the fear and suffering, which was another aggravating factor, as was Martin’s efforts to conceal Schirn’s car so that it was almost a week after she was killed before her body was found. Martin also has a criminal record going back to the 1990’s, which included several offences of violence where he had either used a weapon or had made threats to people.

The combination of aggravating factors in the killing and a long rap sheet provided the court with room to increase Martin’s life tariff from the starting point of 30 years set out in the law, Richards argued.

Speaking on behalf of Martin, however, defence attorney Amelia Fosuhene told the court that there was nothing exceptional about the aggravating factors that Richards had raised that could justify increasing what was already a significant period of time set out in the law. While she accepted that her client had a list of previous relevant offences and Schirn had sustained multiple injuries in the attack, she argued that there was very little evidence of pre-planning or concealment.

The submissions were made before Justice Charles Quin, who will now decide the length of the minimum term that Martin must serve before he can appear before the release board.  The judge indicated that he plans to deliver his ruling on 6 February.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Again, I don’t understand why convicted murderers are being released back into Caymans community. Several lifers have been released in the past few years whether pardoned by the governor or by judge. But I ask if it were their family member that had been brutally murdered would they be so quick to fight for the human rights of the killer? Only, Them who know it feel it! I am a Christian, I believe in forgiveness because that is what God calls us to do but I also believe that if you brutally take a life you should not be allowed to return to society to “live” your life. You should in fact spend life in prison. My hope is that all unbelievers find salvation but getting saved while behind bars shouldn’t be “used” as a calling card to get released from prison. You did the crime so do the time simple as that!
    Please don’t stand in judgement of Sabrina as none of us has lived a faultless life but find compassion for her grieving family and take a stand against violence do this in remembrance of all of the loved ones in Cayman who lost thier life to a brutal act of violence to name only a few are Sabrina, Estella, Curtis and the list goes on.

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    • Anonymous says:

      People use religion to score sympathy in court and to get early release
      it wouldn’t be the case if there wasn’t an established and government endorsed religion

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    • Just saying says:

      I concur.

      Randy is my family and I agree, saved or not, he deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.

      According to God’s word, He God hates those who shed innocent blood. His word also says “an eye for an eye” so in all understanding, Randy’s life should not have been spared. He could have still repented and be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven, because there is forgiveness for all who seek it and accept Jesus as their Saviour.

      However, Randy needs to pay the consequences of taking an innocemt life on this earth.

      Sabrina was a beautiful young sweet girl, she didn’t deserve to be brutally killed because another human being felt she betrayed him. Who is Randy Martin? Certainly, not Jesus.

      For all those that would judge her for what she did that led to her own brutal demise, know this, she was driven by love, innocent love. She didn’t go there with intension to kill or be killled.

      Randy played the parts of jury, judge and executioner. Now, he is in the judgment seat and I cannot find it in my heart to have sympathy for him. He should be happy to be alive and have the opportunity to give.his heart to God.

      If Sabrina, God rest soul, had the choice right now to be in prison for the rest of her life or be brutally killed, left to rot and gone for all eternity, she would be in jail now.

      I love Randy and I pray for him, but he is where he needs to be and should just be thanking God that he is alive.

      I also, believe that he would be a threat to the public if he is let out of prison. He already knows the power of taking a life and there is no telling if he would allow that demon to take over him again.

      In this case, there are no winners. A young, innocent and beautiful girl’s life is taken, family broken, sadden and missing her forever. A young misguided man’s life is ruined, family broken and living in shame and remorse forever. God have mercy on us all.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    Sabrina was my classmate. I can imagine how she would have reacted when she realised that she was going to die that day. The facts of this horrific crime, everything about it says ‘keep him there as long as possible’. It’s got to be impossible to go from being capable of this, to being no danger to others.

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  3. Yates Family WBay says:

    Yes 1013am yes they all change in prison and change back when they get out here too to the murdering bastards they are, some even use it as an intimidation tool or calling card to get by out here on these streets, as if its some badge of honour or gold standard amongst the criminal element. Yet we keep paroling these very dangerous individuals who murder the innocent as well as innocence in society. Hoping they are going change and we even got a few fools out here feeling sorry for them blaming society. I think those people are just as sick or worse than the killers themselves. Anyone who re offends after being given a chance or does not take steps to be a productive member and contribute to society to show his appreciation for the chance he has been granted. Should remain in prison…. We have far too many convicted felons repeatedly getting too many opportunities and blame everybody for the problems.

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    • West bay Premier says:

      I agree with the Yates Family , and say from what I am reading about this criminal there’s no cure for him . So one 100 years added on to the balance of current term is the best for him and keep him away from other people .

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    • Shhhhhhhhhh. says:

      Randy should have life behind the wire, not the revolving door. Habitual serious criminal as well as murderer.

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  4. Anonymous says:

    Unfortunately the world we live in these days always offers criminals more rights, thought and consideration than what victims and their loved ones receive. It is sickening

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    • Anonymous says:

      Everyone says that, until they are the ones in trouble with the law or behind bars for one reason or another

      Look at the reasoning behind the laws instead of just judging them as they appear
      people actually get paid to sit around and think of these things for a REASON

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  5. Anonymous says:

    In my humble opinion, the crucial misstep in this unfortunate tragedy was that of allowing an inmate like Randy to partake in an external prison farming program.

    Randy is not a normal human being. Having witnessed him, as a child, bite off the head of a live snake (as it defensively wrapped its body around his arm after he grabbed it up from the bushes to scare the smaller kids) I knew he was one to stay clear of.

    Add to that his regular torture of dogs by way of swiping at their legs with a machete as he rode through the neighbourhood – it is clear we are dealing with a sociopath.

    Cases like his and J Barnes really ought to be given special attention to the effect of NEVER considering; a successful rehabilitation, conditional releases, or the benefit of the doubt.

    Speaking as an individual who knows these men personally and grew up alongside in this small community, this opinion is forwarded with great confidence – and rest assured, many will say the same.
    Personally, it is baffling to read of the releases and privileges awarded to some of our notorious criminals. There appears to be missing context and information in the “files” of these individuals.

    Condolences to Sabrina’s brother and the rest of her family. I only knew of her, yet it hurt me deeply when I learned of her tragic end.

    May she rest in peace.

    – Who

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    • Anonymous says:

      Very well said. All of it.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Keep him and scums/murders like him in Jail and give me the only key for setting them free, so i can melt it down and drop it in the deep ocean.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Well put. I knew Randy growing up as well and he is beyond help.

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    • Anonymous says:

      They need a special prison for lifers. They should not be able to interact with other impressionable inmates as they have very few positives to share with the rest of the world.

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    • Datisme says:

      So not Tony Blair’s fault then?

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    • nauticalone says:

      I agree completely!

      Question: What happens in situations like this where there is clearly negligence on the part of the authorities? The Prison staff who failed to adequately guard him at the farm and the Police who reportedly were slow to respond to and take action when Ms. Schirn was reported missing? Anyone investigated or charged for being negligent? Didn’t think so!

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      • Anonymous says:

        I am not sure, but I encourage recent / latest victims (or surviving relatives) of our notorious criminals (e.g. RM and JB) to bring civil cases against the authorities.

        Apparently, like most things here, nothing changes until someone’s pockets are affected.

        E.g. (JB): How is it possible for one man to rape or sexually assault SO MANY random women in one community? (I believe the last victim was a hitch-hiker from abroad. He was released from prison just weeks or months prior. The poor woman had no clue what she was getting into and was doomed from the moment she entered that vehicle.)

        In my opinion, she was failed by the authorities. He is a serial offender, a serial rapist – he will NEVER stop.
        I am a layperson in this regard and even I know this.
        How can the professionals not know?

        Our authorities are failing in their duty to protect the general public, particularly women, from harm.

        – Who

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      • West bay Premier says:

        nauticalone , I agree completely , and hope that Mr & Mrs Schirn read your comment .

    • Anonymous says:

      Nothing has ever been humble about your opinion.

    • Anonymous says:

      “Bite off the head of a live snake” WTH?!?!?!?!?!?!?! They just need to put him away from society….for GOOD!!!

  6. Mob Rule says:

    When the Police don’t do their jobs properly this unfortunately is what happens or the outcome. What happened here is a real travesty of justice but sadly we see it occurring more and more these days. The problem is this psychopath continued his reign even in prison by becoming XXXXX’s little pet snitching out other prisoners even when other prisoners complain about his unlawful criminal behavior at the prison farm. Yet him nor the police were ever called to give account for their conduct.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Please show compassion for this man as he is reformed and changed his ways.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Ehhhhhh
        How about

        No

        The aggravating factors are enough for me to think that this man is a constant danger to society

        We’d all sleep easier if he was not just let out anytime soon

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      • Anonymous says:

        10: 13 am, You must be crazy, close family or his lover or all three to say have compassion for this man, he will never change and should be hanged , you all so call Christians should go by the Bible, an eye for an eye and a Life for a life.

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      • Anonymous says:

        Are you f****** serious???

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      • West bay Premier says:

        Anonymous 10:13am , I hope you can see how stupid you and your comment are . 70 thumbs down and NO thumbs up means everyone disagree with you and your comment.

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    • Anonymous says:

      If only we could ship him off to Jam where no doubt he’d be taken out in no time but he is one of our own, born and raised criminals.

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  7. Ki Ki says:

    Can we please legislate the chair for such vile and violent repeat offenders.

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    • Anonymous says:

      What happens when inevitably someone is falsely convicted and put to death in the name of the People?
      That makes anyone who supported the system complicit in the murder of an innocent person
      For reference it is believed that about 4% of the persons on death row in the US are innocent and have been falsely convicted, We are meant to be better than them our laws don’t read an eye for an eye, being a murderer does not necessarily mean that you ought to be murdered (it is often not what the friends and family of a victim want to hear and my condolences to this family, but it is true)

      Everyone believes that so and so ought to be put to death but I guarantee you if the Judge called you up and gave you a rifle and an opportunity you would back down
      talk is cheap, and there is a reason why we don’t execute those we presume are guilty
      We aren’t cavemen (though some of us seem to forget that)

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      • Anonymous says:

        Id rather be given the chair than left to rot in prison for life if wrongly convicted of a crime.

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        • Anonymous says:

          I’d rather live with the chance of redemption and innocence than die as a convicted criminal
          Ever heard of the Innocence Project

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      • Anonymous says:

        Particularly true as our justice system seems to be wonting in several areas.

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  8. Anonymous says:

    The death penalty would be a much more efficient outcome for this scumbag. Just a rope and a tree branch. don’t spend too much on this garbage.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Bet tou call yourself Christian?

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      • Anonymous says:

        I bet you call yourself always right.

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        • Anonymous says:

          The funny part is that you can’t see how immoral that statement is
          Christianity at it’s finest

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      • Anonymous says:

        2;00 am, read the christian Bible, it says an eye for an eye and a life for a life, of course i am a Christian., What are you ? siding with a vicious killer .

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        • Acon says:

          Pretty sure that is in the old testament although it does sit there with the 10 commandments… number 6 of course being the pretty basic rule… “thou shalt not kill” (note it doent say thou shalt not kill, unless you feel justified in doing so, in which case go right ahead). However the old testament is of course full of mad stuff – i guess God was much angrier way back then! For us Christians we accept the new covenant between people and God brought to us and taught to us by Jesus Christ. A direct quote from jesus being… “let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. You would think that after jesus was killed by capital punishment himself that so called “christians”… would think that it is brutal, immoral etc. No faithful follower of Jesus would ever suggest that Capital Punishment is acceptable – whatever the circumstance. Revenge is not Justice.

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  9. Hope Schirn says:

    It is fast approaching 9 years since my daughter was brutally and visciously murdered by such an evil person and for ppl to put out these allegations, clearly shows they have never lost a loved one, or has no form of sympathy. Please stop slandering my poor daughter’s name any further and let her continue to sleep in peace. It is not good to speak ill-will of a person who is no longer with us and remains defenceless. PLEASE IN GOD’S NAME STOP IT!!
    As her mother, it is like salt being rubbed into my yet unhealed wounds. His lies, everyone elaborate.on.. but as the lies spewed out of that evil person’s mouth in court, (of which we did not miss a moment, we were there everyday from beginning to the end,) at which time some ppl in attendance, shook their heads and walked OUT OF THE COURTROOM.
    How dare anyone say that she visited him on a regular basis and for unmentionables which as her mom, if I repeated, would be an endorsement of lies, when prison records proved otherwise in COURT.. Even her closest friends never heard of that guy before,and all other lies that came out of his own mouth, during his testimony of what happened on that fateful morning of March 11 2009 when he took her life, only aided his further incrimination.during his cross-examination but as the saying goes: Dead men tell no tales but ppl are quick to repeat the words of a lying and evil MURDERER!
    Speaking about HER CAR. Her car was not found in EE. it was parked at our home in South Sound, where she lived at the time she went missing and where it remained from Friday March 13 2009 when my niece and I retrieved it from her workplace, at Blockbuster Video Grand Harbour and where it remained until the day when her brothers found her, thereon. That car in question was not her’s, lest you all forgot.
    Did they not hear the testimony of a Key witness, a farmer who testified that the person driving the white car had long hair pulled back in a ponytail, and that he picked up the shirtless prisoner Randy M who got in the backseat of the car. please Look at the pic of Sabrina, that’s the exact way her hair was, when she went missing…very short hair.
    She obviously was not driving.
    Ms. Cheryl Richards QC and Justice Charles Quinn, whom we have utmost respect for, would not have said such things.

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    • Eat your heart out says:

      My heart aches for you, Mother of Sabrina. She was so beautiful and did not deserve what she had to endure. I pray that God’s peace will resonate with you and the entire family. May he comfort you all. As a mother of two girls, I can’t imagine having to deal withy such tragedy. Please do not pay too much attention to what the general public has to say. They won’t know what it feels like until God forbid, the same thing or worst happens to someone they love so dearly.
      May your daughter’s soul rest peacefully.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    How long do you actually serve when sentenced to 30 years

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    • E. Nygma says:

      With the current conditional release laws I think it’s about 60% of the sentence and then you are eligible for early release (it doesn’t mean that you will necessarily get it, someone like this man and taking all the aggravating factors he will likely serve out the majority of the 30 years)

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    • Fred the Piemaker says:

      Think this is setting the tariff – the minimum period he must serve before being considered for parole – not the sentence. So if its 30 years he cannot get out before that, and even at that point still has to satisfy the conditional release board that he is fit to be released.

  11. Anonymous says:

    WTF !!! He killed a person. He is a f..king animal that needs to be put away for good.
    Just imagine yourself chopping up another human.

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    • Cayguy says:

      What you need here is a swift justice like an express death penalty (#bring back the gallows?) once proven and not that inefficient of life appeals like the U.S. of A. I know of the Schirn family and may this coward, evil bastard suffer a worse fate of which he dished out. RIP Sabrina

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