(CMR) Olga Elizabeth Smith appeared in court today with a new lawyer claiming that she was in a toxic, abusive relationship that eventually led to her “snapping” during a fight and stabbing then-boyfriend, Marvin Xavier Conolly Armendarez (Papi Conolly) to death in March of last year. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of provocation.
Submissions were made today by lead defense attorney, Charles Miskin QC and Oliver Grimwood as the junior local counsel.
Explaining that she was otherwise “a woman of exemplary character” with no previous convictions he shared that she had been in the Cayman Islands since she was 18-years-old. However, on that fateful night, he said that she lost all self-control when she grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed him to death during an argument.
The court heard that there was circumstantial evidence that there had been a fight as both of his hands has recent bruises to the knuckles and through the house, there was damage to doors and furniture. There was also no evidence that she had attacked him in a similar manner prior to that day.
He also noted that her most recent change of plea in February was the result of her fear of being separated from her 6-month infant child for the deceased; which was born subsequent to his death.
Crown Counsel noted that the pair had been arguing earlier in the day on March 15, 2020 and both of their phones were destroyed. They later went to a bar where they continued to argue and drink which led to them going home separately where the argument continued. Smith was hit in the face before grabbed the knife and stabbed him in the neck.
Realizing the seriousness of his injuries she attempted to administer CPR and when that failed she called the neighbors for assistance. The court heard that initially she denied her involvement and claimed that he committed suicide. However, a post mortem proved that the 13 cm long wound was not self-inflicted and from the right to the left. The cause of death was hemorrhagic shock caused by the puncture to the clavicular artery in the neck.
She had cuts on her wrists which they believe were self-inflicted and there was no visible injury to her forehead. Both the EMT and neighbor reported they believe the stabbing incident occurred long before she sought help for the deceased. The crown also argued that whilst her guilty plea did save some time it was entered late in the process and the 1/3 reduction typically given should not be considered.
She had initially pleaded guilty from April 2020 to October 2020 and then attempted to change her please in February 2021.
Smith has been on jail since April of last year which was granted because of her pregnancy. The social inquiry report provided to the court noted that she was at low risk of re-offending.
The victim's mother and sister provided statements to the court about the impact of his death on their family. She had her bail extended and will re-appear in court on May 27.
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