But instead of carrying out a proper investigation that would have convinced them the witness himself was the actual murderer, investigating officers charged an innocent 16-year-old boy, based on a statement they coerced him into giving to corroborate the one given by Baboolal. Source 7j.
Mitchell was ordered to serve 33 years behind bars, while Chatoo was ordered to serve 27. However, the time both men had already spent in State custody together with other deductions for good behavior and while behind prison walls had to automatically be deducted from their sentence. Source 4a.