Jasmine Hartin Kills Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott in Belize

On May 28, 2021, a tragic event unfolded on a quiet pier in San Pedro, Belize. Jasmine Hartin, a Canadian socialite and partner of Andrew Ashcroft, the son of billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft, accidentally shot her friend, Belizean police superintendent Henry Jemmott, leading to his death. What began as a seemingly routine social encounter between friends quickly escalated into a global media spectacle due to the high-profile connections involved and the dramatic circumstances of the shooting.

The case raised questions about wealth, privilege, and justice, as Jasmine Hartin’s story became a topic of widespread discussion. Was it a tragic accident, or was there something more sinister behind the incident? This article explores the key events leading up to the shooting, the investigation, and the far-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

Who is Jasmine Hartin?

Jasmine Hartin is a Canadian socialite with ties to the influential Ashcroft family. She was in a relationship with Andrew Ashcroft, the son of British-Belizean billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft. Together, they had two children and lived a life of wealth and luxury in Belize, where they operated the luxurious Alaia Belize Resort.

Hartin was known for her role as the director of lifestyle and experience at the resort, often mingling with wealthy tourists, business elites, and local dignitaries. Her association with the Ashcroft family placed her in the spotlight, especially after the tragic events of May 28, 2021.

Despite her prominent social position, Hartin’s life took a dark turn when she became the subject of an international scandal involving the death of police superintendent Henry Jemmott.

Who Was Henry Jemmott?

Henry Jemmott was a well-respected Belizean police superintendent with a 24-year career in law enforcement. Known for his strong leadership skills and dedication to his community, Jemmott was beloved by his colleagues and his family. He had five children and was regarded as a disciplined officer with ambitions of becoming Belize’s police commissioner.

On May 28, 2021, Jemmott was off-duty, spending time with his friend, Jasmine Hartin, on a pier in San Pedro, Belize. His death would shock not only his family and fellow officers but also the entire nation of Belize. The fact that he was killed by a close associate added an element of betrayal and tragedy to the story.

The Events Leading Up to the Shooting

On the evening of May 28, 2021, Jasmine Hartin and Henry Jemmott were socializing on a secluded pier near the Grand Colony Hotel in San Pedro, Belize. They were reportedly drinking and engaging in conversation when Jemmott decided to show Hartin his firearm, a Glock 17 service pistol.

At some point during the interaction, Jemmott handed his firearm to Hartin. While handling the gun, Hartin claimed she accidentally pulled the trigger, causing it to discharge. The bullet struck Jemmott in the back of the head, causing him to fall into the water below. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Hartin, she had been unfamiliar with handling firearms and did not intentionally fire the gun. The incident, described as a “horrible accident” by Hartin, would soon become the center of a massive criminal investigation.

The Arrest of Jasmine Hartin

In the hours following the shooting, Jasmine Hartin was taken into custody by Belizean police. Witnesses stated that she appeared “hysterical” and “covered in blood” as she was detained. She was questioned extensively about the events leading up to the shooting.

Police initially charged her with manslaughter by negligence, a charge significantly less severe than murder or voluntary manslaughter. The charge of manslaughter by negligence is typically used for cases where death results from recklessness or carelessness rather than malicious intent.

Hartin’s arrest sparked widespread media attention. As the partner of Andrew Ashcroft, her case drew scrutiny due to her connection with the powerful Ashcroft family. The family’s influence in Belize raised questions about whether justice would be served fairly or if privilege would play a role in the outcome.

The Investigation and Evidence

Belizean authorities launched a full investigation into Henry Jemmott’s death. Key pieces of evidence included:

• Ballistics Analysis: The firearm, a Glock 17 pistol, was examined to determine how and where it discharged.
• Witness Statements: Nearby witnesses heard the sound of a gunshot and saw Hartin in a panicked state on the pier.
• Surveillance Footage: CCTV footage from the nearby Grand Colony Hotel played a role in tracking the movements of Hartin and Jemmott that evening.
• Physical Evidence: Forensic evidence, including gunpowder residue, was also analyzed. Reports indicated that gunpowder residue was found on Hartin’s hands.

While Hartin claimed the shooting was accidental, police faced public pressure to ensure that she was treated like any other citizen under the law. Skeptics questioned her account, with some speculating that Hartin may have had a motive for killing Jemmott. However, no evidence of a premeditated plan emerged during the investigation.

Trial and Plea Deal

After months of legal proceedings, Jasmine Hartin pleaded guilty to manslaughter by negligence in April 2023. Her guilty plea was seen as an acknowledgment of responsibility for the tragic accident, though she maintained that it was an unintentional act.

The judge imposed a sentence of:

• A $30,000 fine: This amount was to be paid as part of her punishment.
• 300 hours of community service: Hartin was ordered to contribute time to her local community as a form of restorative justice.

Her plea deal avoided a lengthy trial and the possibility of a harsher sentence. While some felt the punishment was lenient, others argued that it was appropriate given the charge of manslaughter by negligence, which is distinct from intentional homicide.

Media Scrutiny and Public Reaction

The case of Jasmine Hartin and Henry Jemmott captured international headlines, not just for its tragic nature but for the people involved. Hartin’s association with the wealthy and politically connected Ashcroft family fueled suspicions of special treatment and preferential justice.

The Belizean public was divided. Some believed that Hartin’s punishment was too lenient, arguing that a local citizen in her position would have faced harsher consequences. Critics cited her wealth and influence as factors that shielded her from a harsher sentence.

Others, however, viewed the incident as a tragic accident, one that could happen to anyone inexperienced with firearms. They pointed out that the evidence did not support a murder charge and that manslaughter by negligence was an appropriate response under Belizean law.

Hartin later made public allegations against the Ashcroft family, claiming they had isolated her and cut off access to her children as a form of punishment. The Ashcroft family denied these claims, stating that they had done nothing to interfere with her legal battle.

Theories and Speculations of What Really Happened

The tragic incident involving Jasmine Hartin and Superintendent Henry Jemmott on May 28, 2021, has spurred various theories and speculations regarding the true nature of the event. While Hartin maintains that the shooting was an accident, alternative perspectives have emerged:

Accidental Discharge

Hartin asserts that the shooting was unintentional, occurring as she handled Jemmott’s firearm during a late-night interaction on a pier in San Pedro, Belize. She claims the gun discharged accidentally, resulting in Jemmott’s death. This account suggests a tragic mishap without malicious intent.

Suspicion of Foul Play

Contrary to Hartin’s account, Jemmott’s family harbors suspicions of foul play. They question the plausibility of an accidental discharge and have expressed doubts about the circumstances leading to his death. These concerns have fueled speculation about potential underlying motives or undisclosed details.

Initial Inconsistencies

Reports indicate that Hartin’s initial statements to authorities contained inconsistencies. At one point, she allegedly suggested that Jemmott had been killed by a stranger, a claim she later retracted. Such discrepancies have led to public skepticism regarding her version of events.

Relationship Dynamics

The nature of Hartin and Jemmott’s relationship has also been a subject of speculation. Some theories propose that their association may have been more complex than publicly acknowledged, potentially influencing the events of that night. However, no concrete evidence has substantiated these claims.

In summary, while the official narrative describes the shooting as a tragic accident, various theories and speculations persist, reflecting the complexities and unanswered questions surrounding the case.

Life After the Trial

After her conviction, Jasmine Hartin faced a series of personal and legal battles. Her relationship with Andrew Ashcroft deteriorated, and she alleged that his family had alienated her from her children. She also faced criticism from the media, with some portraying her as a “privileged socialite” using her influence to escape harsh punishment.

Hartin has since sought to share her side of the story, conducting interviews with media outlets and speaking out about the impact the case has had on her personal life. In some of these interviews, she expressed deep regret for what happened, describing it as a “terrible accident” that she would live with for the rest of her life.

After the tragic incident in May 2021, Jasmine Hartin’s life underwent significant changes. In mid-2023, she began a relationship with Carlos Duverge, a 30-year-old electrician from the Dominican Republic. The couple resides together in a modest neighborhood in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their relationship became public in May 2024, when they were photographed together on a beach, appearing affectionate and relaxed.

This new chapter in Hartin’s life contrasts sharply with her previous high-profile association with the Ashcroft family. Despite ongoing legal challenges, including a wrongful death suit filed by Henry Jemmott’s family and custody disputes over her children, Hartin’s relationship with Duverge signifies a personal transformation and a move towards a different lifestyle.

The Legacy of the Case

The story of Jasmine Hartin and Henry Jemmott is a tragic tale of friendship, privilege, and justice. The case continues to be a topic of debate, with opinions divided on the fairness of her punishment and the role of wealth and influence in the outcome.

For the Jemmott family, the case remains a painful reminder of the sudden loss of a father, son, and respected police leader. The incident also prompted renewed discussion in Belize about gun safety, responsible firearm handling, and the concept of justice for all, regardless of social status.

For Jasmine Hartin, the tragedy will remain a defining moment in her life. Her plea deal allowed her to avoid prison, but it did not shield her from public scrutiny. Her story has become symbolic of how privilege and wealth intersect with the criminal justice system.

Conclusion

The tragic shooting of Henry Jemmott by Jasmine Hartin on May 28, 2021, is a story of loss, regret, and justice. What began as a night of friendship and relaxation ended in a fatal accident that changed the lives of two families forever. While some believe justice was served, others see the case as an example of how wealth and influence can alter the course of legal proceedings.

The legacy of this incident will continue to spark discussions about justice, fairness, and accountability for years to come.