2025 trial date for woman accused of killing child’s father

A St James woman who is accused of stabbing her child's father to death during an argument in 2011 is scheduled to stand trial in the St James Circuit Court on January 20, 2025.

Crystal Phillips, who is charged in relation to the murder of Raniel Gray, had her bail extended by presiding High Court Justice Bertram Morrison when she made her latest appearance in court on Monday. She is being represented by attorney Albert Morgan.

The court was told that although Phillips' case was on the trial list, the matter could not be reached for the current sitting of the Circuit Court.

Justice Morrison subsequently set the 2025 date as the next trial date and extended Phillips' bail.

Allegations are that on November 6, 2011, about 12:30 a.m., Phillips showed up at Gray's home in the Mt Salem community in St James, where she got into an argument with Gray's mother.

Gray later arrived at the dwelling and was about to enter his room when Phillips tried to prevent him from doing so. It is said that he got inside and the accused followed him. Gray was then heard calling for help and Phillips was seen running from the room with a knife in her hand.

Gray, who was stabbed multiple times, was taken to the Cornwall Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Subsequent investigations led to Phillips being arrested and charged.

- C.T.