2 men to serve life imprisonment for gunning down Sophia resident

Two men were handed life sentences on Monday for the execution-style killing of Seon London, also known as “Gaza,” in October 2020. The verdict was delivered by Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara after a 12-member jury found the accused guilty of premeditated murder.
The convicted men, Sitaffa Joseph, 32, called “Safo,” of Trench Road, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown and Rickford Marcus, 27, also known as “Spent Shell,” of James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown were sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of London in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
The incident occurred on the evening of October 17, 2020, while London, 27, was sitting on a bench outside a friend’s home in ‘C’ Field, Sophia. His wife had left moments earlier to purchase food, leaving him engaged in conversation with a friend.
Reports at the time were that two gunmen approached and opened fire, striking London multiple times. Witnesses recalled hearing several gunshots as the attackers fled the scene on foot. London was left bleeding and succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention.
Investigations revealed that London had been targeted. One of the gunmen, police said, had previously been linked to an attempted murder against London in May 2020, where he was shot in Cummings Park, Sophia. Kevin McAdam, charged in the earlier attack, had been released on bail at the time of London’s murder.
During the trial, both Joseph and Marcus maintained their innocence, despite an eyewitness testifying to Joseph’s presence at the crime scene. Defence attorney, Leslie Sobers argued that his clients were under the influence of marijuana at the time, impairing their judgment. Sobers pleaded for leniency, highlighting Joseph’s desire to reunite with his young daughter and Marcus’ expression of regret over the situation, though he denied involvement.
The grieving mother of the victim submitted a statement, describing her son as a loving provider and calling for the maximum penalty to ensure justice for her family.
State prosecutor Madana Rampersaud urged the court to consider the gravity of the crime, emphasising its premeditated nature, the use of firearms, and the theft of London’s wallet. Rampersaud also cited the defendants’ lack of remorse and their criminal records, which included convictions for robbery under arms, narcotics possession, and larceny.
Justice Singh imposed a life sentence on both men, with parole eligibility set at 43 years, considering their pre-trial detention. The base term of 30 years was increased by five years for premeditation, five years for the use of a firearm, and three years for their prior offences.
The case was prosecuted by attorneys Madana Rampersaud and Christopher Belfield. Justice Singh emphasised that the sentence was meant to reflect society’s condemnation of such heinous crimes and to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. (G9)