The fate of the case against the young woman accused of killing nine-year-old Chantel Crump is expected to be decided today, March 18, when the matter returns before the St John’s Magistrates Court.
The decision comes after months of delays that have left the accused, Angela Mejia, on remand at His Majesty’s Prison since her arrest nearly a year ago.
When the matter was last heard, defence attorney Wendel Alexander urged the court to either advance the case or dismiss the charges altogether, arguing that his client should not remain incarcerated indefinitely while prosecutors continue preparing their case.
Attorney Wendel Alexander
The case had already been postponed five times, prompting the defence to file a formal request for dismissal for want of prosecution. Alexander stressed that the matter requires urgent resolution, particularly given the intense public attention surrounding the case.
He also revealed that a second bail application was submitted during a previous hearing but was denied, leaving Mejia to remain in custody while awaiting further court action.
Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel subsequently granted what was described as a final adjournment and scheduled today’s hearing, shortening the typical postponement period to one month. At that time, the court was informed that the case file was still being reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions
During today’s proceedings, the magistrate is expected to conduct a committal hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to the High Court for trial.
If prosecutors fail to present adequate evidence, the defence’s request for dismissal could be granted, potentially bringing an end to the case and resulting in Mejia’s release.
The charges stem from the tragic death of Chantel Crump, whose naked body was discovered in the Weatherills area on March 15, 2025. Reports indicate that the child had been taken by a woman in a vehicle near her home in the days leading up to the grim discovery.
The case has drawn widespread public attention since Mejia’s arrest, and today’s hearing is expected to determine whether the matter will proceed to trial or collapse in the Magistrates Court.
