At the end of a trial by jury, a mother and her son were yesterday found guilty of causing the death of 18-year-old Rachel Bowdler, while the father was found guilty of the girl’s involuntary homicide.
A panel of jurors returned with this verdict following seven hours of deliberation.
Connie Decelis, 57, was found guilty by seven votes to two of causing the death of Ms Bowdler through negligence, while her son Jason was found guilty of the same crime by six votes to three. Carmel Decelis, also 57, was found not guilty by seven votes to two of the murder of Ms Bowdler but was found guilty of involuntary homicide.
The three were accused of causing Ms Bowdler’s death on 13 May 2001 after they did not call for help when she was in her last moments following a heroin overdose. They then disposed of the body in a field in Mgarr.
The verdict was read in a dead-quiet courtroom and in the presence of Mr Decelis’ family members as well as Ms Bowdler’s family.
Along with their verdict, the jurors unanimously recommended that the court exercises clemency with Mrs Decelis because she acted as a mother and, with her actions, tried to protect her son. They also called on the court to show pity with Mr Decelis because he was on site for only a short time and was only narrowly involved in the whole incident. Moreover, they said Jason Decelis should be given all the help he needs for his social problems.
During the trial by jury, which lasted five days, the prosecution claimed that the three family members did not bother to call the authorities for help, out of fear of getting into trouble.
But the defence insisted that neither of the three accused had any intention to kill Ms Bowdler or place her life in manifest danger.
After listening to the verdict being read out at 8pm last night, Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono, who presided over the case, adjourned the sitting to Monday when he will listen to submissions on the punishment and then hand down his judgement.
The prosecution was led by Assistant Attorney General Anthony Barbara. Dr Chris Cardona and Dr Chris Soler are representing Mr Decelis, Dr Malcolm Mifsud is appearing for Mrs Decelis while Dr Martin Fenech is representing Jason Decelis.