Women’s groups hail Worrell verdict as game-changer
A precedent was set for domestic violence cases with the conviction of Kamal Worrell for the murder of his former partner Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, women’s advocates said.
The Centre Against Abuse and the Women’s Resource Centre described the jury’s guilty verdict on Wednesday evening after a lengthy Supreme Court trial as “landmark” for Bermuda.
The court heard during Worrell’s trial of the “toxic” nature of the couple’s relationship, along with Ms Dillon-Burgess’s previous complaints to police about abuse that never made it to court.
Police ultimately upgraded the investigation of her disappearance in April 2020 to a murder case — with the conviction unprecedented for Bermuda given that her body has yet to be found.
Stephen Corbishley, a former Police Commissioner who left the post in 2021, wrote to The Royal Gazette welcoming the murder conviction of Kamal Worrell.
Mr Corbishley was credited by Darrin Simons, the present commissioner, for an “instrumental” role in driving the investigation into the disappearance of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess.
“I hope that one day information comes to light as to where she is, to allow her mother and family the closure they deserve,” Mr Corbishley said.
“I remain adamant that more than one person knows what happened to her and perhaps they can now consider doing the right thing.”
Mr Corbishley expressed hope in a domestic homicide review with the close of the case to explore how domestic violence victims were protected — “not least as this is one of the primary ways that homicides can be prevented”.
“Black lives do matter. Chavelle mattered. Her family mattered.
“May she rest in peace.”
Laurie Shiell, the executive director of the CAA, said that the outcome “sends a positive message to survivors that we hear them, and that their concerns are valid”.
The centre issued a statement calling it “very difficult to respond to a decision that is so tragic, and in no way reduces the tragedy of the loss of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess”.
“However, we are grateful for the verdict of guilty of murder that was brought forth by the jury as this is a major piece of the puzzle for family, friends and the community for justice for Chavelle in the absence of knowing what occurred to this young lady.”
Ms Shiell said that the verdict set a precedent, showing that the Bermuda Police Service and the Department of Public Prosecutions “do take domestic abuse cases seriously and that they do work diligently to hold perpetrators accountable”.
Ms Shiell added: “We, the public, have a vital role to play to ensure that survivors are encouraged to seek help from BPS, CAA and other helping services.
“It is important that survivors are not denied the right to have their story heard, recorded, and provided with safety options.
“This process is the catalyst to assisting survivors with maintaining their wellbeing against abusers.”
She said that the centre urged survivors to contact the police or the CAA for help in staying stage.
“We are here to help you in a judgment-free and confidential manner.”
The Women’s Resource Centre was said to be “heartened by the guilty verdict”.
“This is a landmark case for Bermuda, and we recognise the efforts of the Bermuda Police Service in bringing Mr Worrell before the courts.
“We wait with anticipation for his sentencing next month.
“We recall how the entire country rallied together when we first learnt of Ms Dillon-Burgess’s disappearance and in the weeks and months that followed.“
The WRC said that the outpouring of community support had been “integral” to the case’s outcome, underlining the importance of listening to and supporting victims at the early stages of abuse.
Juanae Crockwell, the executive director of the WRC, offered “deepest condolences” to Ms Dillon-Burgess’s family and loved ones.
“There is no justice for this act, and we sympathise with those who are mourning.”
Ms Crockwell called domestic abuse “an often-hidden epidemic that, sadly, only comes to light at times like this”.
“However, it is happening every day and impacts as many as 3,000 women in Bermuda annually. It is insidious and its consequences can be fatal.”
She said “mitigating the repercussions of abuse is possible with intentional action”.
The WRC said “each act of support will bring us closer to ending this epidemic”.
Ms Crockwell added: “Victims need to know that they will be believed, protected and supported when they come forward.
“They need to know that help is available, and that recovery is possible. It is this confidence in our support systems that will lead to higher reporting, earlier intervention and accountability.
“The Women’s Resource Centre is a safe place for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and provides counselling and referral services for those experiencing abuse, as well as ongoing support as survivors rebuild their lives. We encourage any woman who needs support to contact us ”
• The Centre Against Abuse can be reached on 292-4366 or 297-8278, or by e-mailing info@centreagainstabuse.bm, as well as by Facebook or Instagram message. The Women’s Resource Centre is available on 295-3882
• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding court cases. As we are legally liable for any libellous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers
