15-year-old girl charged for Patentia Phagwah Day murder

High drama unfolded at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday when a 15-year-old girl was arraigned for the Phagwah Day murder of 25-year-old Dellon “Chicken” Bradford, formerly of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

It was alleged that the teenager participated in the murder of the father of three, who was found along the Patentia Public Road with stab wounds on March 23, 2016 (Phagwah Day). The entire courtroom was emptied as the matter, presided over by Magistrate Clive Nurse, was held in-camera.

The teenager’s Attorney, Lyndon Amsterdam, was unsuccessful in his application for bail and she was remanded until June 10, 2016.

The defence Attorney said he was surprised his client was now being charged, when other persons were already charged for the murder.

As the matter was being heard in the court, the Police were summoned to keep the peace as relatives of the teenager and the dead man clashed outside the courthouse.

“Money can’t bring back me buddy, me buddy done dead already,” was the cry of one of the dead man’s sisters.

His eldest sister, Samantha Williams, also maintained the innocence of her brother, in reference to the allegations that her brother was stealing from the family members of his reputed wife at the time of his demise.

Meanwhile, the mother of the young lady told Guyana Times that her daughter was innocent and did not harm anyone. “Me daughter nah do nothing, me daughter innocent, de man who commit de crime leh them ketch he, me want justice for me daughter,” the emotional mother stated.

Last month, Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Hemraj Bramdeo, called “Rickey Scrawley”, who they said was wanted for questioning in relation to the fatal stabbing at Skull City, Patentia.

After the stabbing incident, two persons, including the mother of the 15-year-old, were questioned about the murder. It was alleged that on March 23, 2016, Bradford broke into a woman’s Lot 1 Skull City home and stole $200,000 cash and other items, while she was at her mother’s residence.

The woman reportedly came home and caught the now dead man in the act and a scuffle ensued, during which he was stabbed multiple times.

He was then rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Bradford was stabbed six times and died of kidney failure, spinal damage and brain injuries.

However, Bradford’s relatives are disputing that account and are arguing that he was murdered by the relatives of his reputed wife.

The deceased man’s sister claimed that her brother and the mother of his child were involved in an argument after she refused to go home with him. It was during this argument he was stabbed to death, she alleged.