20-year-old gets 10yrs for gun

| 07/02/2014

(CNS): A West Bay man began serving a decade behind bars on Thursday after he was sentenced to the mandatory minimum sentence for possessing an unlicensed firearm. Ray Kennedy-Smith Jr (20) was found guilty by Justice Charles Quin in November following a judge alone trail, when he found that the West Bay man did have possession of a loaded nine millimetre Smith & Weston pistol recovered by a USG police officer outside the Memory Lane Bar hidden behind an air-conditioning unit. With no further aggravating features in the case, the judge added no extra time to the statutory minimum, which was handed to Kennedy-Smith as several family members wept openly in court.

“There are no factors that would compel me to exceed the minimum sentence,” the judge said as he delivered his verdict.

Kennedy-Smith has no previous violence convictions and only ganja and traffic offences on his rap sheet and it seemed that the company that the young man had been keeping was his downfall. He was described by his girlfriend and the mother of his five-month old-baby as a great father who had worked in the watersports sector and was the family’s main breadwinner.

He was only 18 years old when he was arrested in connection with the weapon. Although the gun was found hidden by an air conditioning unit, along with a mask and gloves implying the intention of a robbery, there was no evidence before the court that the gun had ever been fired or used in the commission of a crime. Police say Kennedy-Smith was in possession of the weapon as he had been in the area where it was found just minutes before and his DNA was later found on the inside of one of the gloves.

Related article on CNS:

DNA leads to gun conviction

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  1. Kadafe says:

    Crimminals belong in cages! Till they prove otherwise! Good going judge!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Learn them a lesson.

  3. anonymous says:

    What nationality is he?

  4. Anonymous says:

    Get real posters! What the heck do you think he was going to do with the gun, mask and gloves??? Conduct involuntary colon cancer screenings?  Anyone who thinks this sentence is too harsh gives a new meaning to obtuse. He is 18 years old with convictions for drug trafficking, wtf?????  

  5. Anonymous says:

    I have seen Ray in church when he was little. He's a good boy at heart. He should have got no more than 4 years so he can rebuild his life

    • Anonymous says:

      We all, each and every one of us, present two faces to the public.

       

      We all have Dr. Jekyll (the personna that you saw in church) and Mr. Hyde (the personna that bought the gun) deeply embedded within us.

       

      I, like you, cry for the loss of Dr. Jekyll in this young man. On the the other hand, I am relieved that Mr. Hyde is behind bars.

       

      Now that the young man is in jail, there is little hope that his Dr. Jakyll personna will ever surface again to see the light.

       

      No matter which way you look at is, it is a tragedy.

       

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Good boys don't carry guns, balaclavas and gloves. 

    • Anonymous says:

      You seen Ray in church when he was little?!

      What on earth that has to do with anything?! That is what is wrong with us now.  

      He must pay the price for his poor judgement; hopefully this will be a lesson to all!  

      We need to change this dumb mentally we have.

      No wonder our country is in the mess we are today; especially regarding guns in this country.

       

  6. Anonymous says:

    Sad and justice is served under the current law but what is even more disconcerting, he will be a hardened criminal once he gets out. We just keep adding gasoline to the flame expecting it to go out. Would be interesting to get the full story of why this seemingly clean young adult felt the need to secret a firearm, glove and balaclava.

    • Anonymous says:

      "would be interesting to get the full story why this seemingly  clean young adult  felt the need to secrete a firearm .glove and balaclava"

      This is simpl, Glove and balaclava only means one thing…criminality..against society….war against humanity.

      Better for him to break down and cry in prison than some innocent mother for their dead child.

      You parents have to keep a closer look at what side of the street your boys are hanging out.

       

      This is so sad, cayman have  more gun than Dallas Texas.

    • Anonymous says:

      My guess is the story goes something like "I rob people.  To rob people I use a gun, balaclava and gloves."  I doubt the film rights would go for much.

    • Anonymous says:

      Solitary confinement would sort out the problem about meeting other scumbags while in prison.

    • Anonymous says:

      Just plain criminal mentality.  Nothing else.

  7. Anonymous says:

    I know there will be many down votes but that seems a tad harsh – 10 years for simple possession? Keep in mind there was no 'intention to use' proven or anything. 3/4 of the American population would be behind bars if this law was enforced there.

    I agree that it is a good deterrant for potential criminals however.

    • Anonymous says:

      14;26

      I agree with your last statement!

    • Anonymous says:

      3/4 of Americans? wow! Lucky I am in the 1/4 of that population who has never even seen or held a gun let alone carried one on a daily basis.

    • Anonymous says:

      Not quite sure I follow your reasoning re."3/4 of the American population would be ………."  as the same would apply to, for example, the U.K. and most other first-world countries.The U.S. is the last place on earth to look for advice on guns I'd have thought. If I were you I'd be fretting a lot less over down votes and instead more about how to introduce measures to prevent the steady stream of public place shootings we see occuring within the U.S., but I'm rather pessimistic on that score as the U.S. clearly has an ongoing love affair with guns, coupled with strange historic references to militias and "a right to bear arms" and a peculiar mantra "guns don't kill people, people do".  Yes, it is a good deterrent, that's why it's 10 years instead of a slap on the wrist which most certainly was not a deterrent.

  8. Anonymous says:

    The largest criminals in Cayman are the well-off who get away with thousands of dollars because they use the law or government is on their side.

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, there are many white collar criminals who deserve stronger sentences  It is even possible (actually likely)  that  white color crimals have caused greater suffering  in total, due to the economic  impact of their crimes,  than violent criminals have caused.  Just look at the sub-prime debacle.  But,  I would rather run into Bernie Madoff in a dark alley than a 17 year old, wanna be gangsta, dumb a^^ with a gun.  I can always make more money.  I only have one life. 

      • Anonymous says:

        Sub-prime was simply an investment bubble.  Bubbles are not crimes.

  9. Anonymous says:

    Good.

  10. Anonymous says:

    You all need to stop!! It also said of his pass convictions that maybe he would have been one that was able to be saved otherwise. Please read the article and understand what they wrote. Remember he’s a young youth that just got a young child that might have changed him around. It’s a pitty that we don’t have a law in place that could guide these kind of youths rather than sink them and they get lost in the eyes of society. In my opinion. I feel that he deserved a different type of justice. Hopefully the law sees what I’m seeing and give him another chance on a appeal option.

    • Anonymous says:

      The need for help is when the kids are young and growing up. We always blame others when they turn out to be societys fears. I always say that prevention is better than cure. ahaopefully he will re think about having a free life and respectful place in the Community when he comes out, as being on the streets with a gun is dangerous. Perhaps God is sparing him and his dear family from future trouble. Sad in this case is his child who should get good help from his famiuly and the community. Real sorry for him and hope that other youth will learn from his mistake.

      • Anonymous says:

        A child's mind programmed by his future behaviour by the time he turns 5.

    • Anonymous says:

      and you need to stop telling people what to do, who are you, my mother? and I do not remember marrying you.

  11. Anonymous says:

    "He was a great baby-daddy, apart from the fact he was a gun criminal>  yes, if you ignore the gun crime bit, he was a great baby-daddy."

  12. John says:

    I find it very sad that you are penalized for trying to protect yourself here.  If everyone could carry a gun there would be far less burglaries and robberies in Cayman.  

    • Anonymous says:

      LOL

    • Anonymous says:

      "for trying to protect yourself here"? Since when did having a gun along with a mask and gloves add up to a self-protection kit? Get real, friend.

    • Anonymous says:

      Lots of people have guns in their house for protection in the US, and they never have any burglaries or robberies……..

       

  13. Anonymous says:

    And 6 months for the most heinous crime of all crimes- a sexual abuse of a child, own child. My mind can't grasp that.  Does a life and mental wellbeing of a child have value to thesociety? That gun did not cause any  harm yet and might have never casued.

  14. Anonymous says:

    BRAVO!

     

    Justice Quin your are my hero of the day. This kind of behaviour is now being addressed in the right manner. If your stupid enough to carry a gun you deserve the punishment, no excuses, I don't care if your the bread winner. If you had respect for your family you wouldn't have done this. On that note 'pull up your jeans boy'.

     

    Sincerely.

    • Anonymous says:

      Bad intentions, maximum sentencing.  Teach everyone who wants to play man in a boys body what it is like to carry a gun.  A lesson for one and all.

  15. Anonymous says:

    So sad.  Another one of our Caymanian men being locked up for a period.  Crime does not pay.  It really isn't worth it.  Such a waste of life.  Admittedly the system has failed a lot of the young people and hence this is the result of it.  Please young Caymanian men especially following the pattern of wanna be ganster like that in the states doesn't work in the Caribbean.  We are a people of culture, identity, dignity and everybody wants to be like us.  They love our food, culture, they want our colour, they even wants to do plastic surgery to become like us.  Surely as a race this is something to be proud of.  Stop being a statistical data and ending up in an institution to waste away your life.  Not only would you be suffering, your parent(s), your children if you have any and your loved ones are feeling the pain.  Young men please stop being something that really isn't worth it.  Such a crying shame.  This island is far too small to carry on like this.

    • Anonymous says:

      Blame can only come from within.  Stay away from bad company and you will be safe.   Parents should stop encouraging their children in wrong doings and then crying over their sentencing.  Send them all to the hotel, that's where they belong, other than that, they would live a different life.  Criminals are always connected godrugs and guns.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Great news! Lock them all up for 10 years. We all know who they are. Pickthem all up in one sweep 

    • Anonymous says:

      10;13 you would have to bring in the special forces for that. the politicians wouldnt allow it…no votes come re-election.

  17. Another lost youth says:

    So how much will this cost the taxpayers for 10 years of prison?  10 years of Social Services for teen baby momma plus 5 year old?  When this young man gets out of prison his own child will then be 15 years old and the right age to be the second generation in this single crime!!

    Can't we see that this butterfly wing effect is turning into a teen tragedy of a hurricane?!?

    I did all of you voters to demand better! Can't you see the politicians want the situation to fuel their power? If you rely on them then they remain in power. Demand better.

    I urge you all to push for charter schools like Harlem, New York City!! Dr Geoff Canada has a 100% graduation rate and 100% college entrance rate from the highest risk kids in NYC.

    we only have a fraction of the population and with a little caring from our department of education we could solve this problem within a decade!!!

    it is up to you voters of the youth, you can stick your head in the sand and let illiteracy rates sore and our politicians will retain and grow in their greedy power, or you can demand the Department of Education, Youths and Services, and our community stop this crazy cycle of tea and gang related shameful crimes.

    • Anonymous says:

      His child is 5 months old not 5 years… Anyway regardless of his age when he became a father (which would not be 15 if my Maths is correct) the verdict in this case was surprising in such a weak circumstantial case as not too long ago a murderer was found not guilty even though there were eye witnesses.  No doubt being in prison willnot benefit him, his family or society as a whole.  If anything this should be a rehabilitation  matter- and there is little chance of that being in Northward for 10 years, maybe he will come out hooked on cocaine 

      • Anonymous says:

        CNS : Nice to see someone using the correct term "maths" rather than the U.S. "math" which the U.S. orientated "Caymanian" Compass  would have us believe, along with numerous other examples of U.S. English, is the real version of English in Cayman since some Americans got into the driver's seat.

    • Anonymous says:

      There is a positive side in everything.  Caymanian population won't go extinct.   Younger parents give birth to healthier children, unless that famous Dump screws them in up mother’s womb with its chemical cocktail.  So welcome every newborn in this world with your kindness! 

  18. Cayman Teen sadness says:

    A baby daddy at 15?!? His family should ALL hang their heads in shame.  What did they think was gonna happen to his life? University scholarship?

    Blame the parents.  We must break this teen cycle of teen pregnancies leading to ganja leading to gangs! 

    If only this boy was offered decent  vocational skills training (electrician, plumbing, health care) instead of a water sports job and not much future. He now gets to learn his trade in prison!!

    wake up! Police car$$ and crony politicians are NOT solving our teen gang problem!  

    • Anonymous says:

      Remember, parent set the stage, government is not a sperm donor.  Everything mistake toes criminals make, government is responsible for it?  Hello, why get children if you are not capable of giving them proper up bringing.  They all lack proper family life and end ups being taxpayers responsibility. 

      Too many children having children.  When is it going to stop?  

      • Anonymous says:

        " When is it going to stop?"

         

        This will not stop for a long time.

         

        The solution lies in realistic sex education that starts at an early age coupled with easy access to birth control technology.

         

        The "just say no" approach does not work and never will work no matter how hard the pearchers preach.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Keep dropping the hammer on these thugs Mr. Quin! Gt

  20. Anonymous says:

    Molest a child – 6 months

    Own a Gun – 20 years

     

    What a backwards Island we live on!  Wake Up Slaves!

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, they should both get 20 years.

    • Anonymous says:

      I think you mean 10 years…

    • Dred says:

      I somewhat agree with you. It really should be…

      Molest a child – 20 years (or more)

      Illegal firearm – 10 years (the write up says 10 years no need to exaggerate)

    • Anon says:

      10 years – not 20. It's the minimum sentence for this offence. That's not to say that 6 months is appropriate for child molestation. That should carry at least 10 years also. 

    • Diogenes says:

      Think you will find it was 10 years, not 20, and that it was not so much the fact of gun ownership as the illegal ownership that was a problem.  If the young man had a legitimate reason for owing one he could have applied for a firearms licence – fact he had it along with gloves and a ski mask rather implies that he did not.  Finally, what's with the slaves comment – the law in question was passed by your own elected government of Caymanians elected by Caymanians, not a colonial imposition.  Perhaps you need to wake up.

    • SSM345 says:

      The ability to read an article properly: priceless.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Finally…Good job justice Quinn! That should send a message to some of our wannabe bad boys. 

  22. Anonymous says:

    How many more cases of this do we need to have before the others learn that this kind of life-style is just not worth it……….

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Hope people learn from this. 10 years is a long time (even with parole its multiple years), and he will basically be broke and almost unemployable when he eventually gets out.

      I dont know why people do this. The robberies here are typically a few hundred dollars in most cases, which barely buys food for 2 weeks. And if you get caught, you basically waste precious years of your life.  How is that worth it?

       

  23. Anonymous says:

    His criminality was his downfall.  His choice.  Glad to see a proper sentence for once.

    • Anonymous says:

      Deportation Order?

      • Anonymous says:

        12:19 N the onesthat sold hm the gun I amcertai will not evenbe found to be deported. They mst likely left in a canoe. Years ao or youh did not hve suha thn as a gun but thatwas introduced to r Cayman Boys when the dugs was introducd to them But while you are on th subject there ae lot of your peope that should be deported  for ruing our  Cayman children

         

        • anonymous says:

          Yep, furriners destroyed your spelling all right. Anything else you want to throw out there? What about your civic breaking down or when you were not given a job after not turning up for an interview.

          Somethings cannot be fixed in Cayman and appear irretrievably broken.

      • Anonymous says:

        How can you deport a Caymanian?   If he was a foreigner (given the stated criminal record) he would already have been deported.  Get a grip, it is our own children that are the problem. Specifically: children having children.  Not to mention a culture that perpetuates a long lost economic fallacy of easy money without hard work. 

        • Anonymous says:

          21:10 We have to deal with our own for sure,but hell we should not have to pay for the foriegn criminals.

        • Anonymous says:

          You revoke their status, and then you deport them – just like the law says – unless they were born Caymanian. Of course, the law is never followed.

      • Another lost youth says:

        Deportation? This is home grown! Teen daddy thug. I disagree that the family needs to intervene and not the Govt. Of we spent as much money on teen risk as we do the police cars (and port and new high school) we would not have a problem! These kids needs options beyond gangs.  The only way I get ripped off by my Canadian plumbers, electricians, and A/C repairs are the bills.  If not bound for college surely we should teach our youth skilled trades that would support his family better than water sports and gang sales of drugs to tourists?

        less than 6000 students.  Less than 3000 teens- surely this is a fixable problem!?! Come on Politicians do your jobs!  Where is the big change at NWDA we were promised? Tara Rivers this is your youth and your backyard! Can't be fixed in a conference room.  When are you going to roll up your sleeves and get to work?

        another lost youth.. We are all to blame

      • Anonymous says:

        Troll-lol-lol-lol-lol-lol-lol.

    • Anonymous says:

      Bravo, Justice Quinn, Bravo!  Be consistent and keep up the good work!