A four-and-a-half-year prison sentence has been imposed on Brazilian national Makeal Jackson Da Silva, who on Wednesday pleaded guilty to killing a Guyanese miner at Dukwari Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The sentence was imposed by Justice Navindra Singh at the Essequibo High Court.
Confessed killer Makeal Jackson Da Silva
Though initially indicted for the murder of Ked Lewis, also known as “Kennedy” and “Keddo”, through the aid of a translator, Da Silva opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. He thereby admitted that between November 29 and 30, 2016, in the county of Essequibo, he unlawfully killed Lewis, of Quataman Village, North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
In sentencing the confessed killer, Justice Singh considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, and the fact that Lewis had been the aggressor. Based on reports, the lifeless body of the miner was found with several stab wounds in a mining pit. At the time of the killing, both Da Silva and Lewis were working at the same camp. They were seen leaving work together, but only Da Silva returned.
Da Silva was represented by Attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir, while State Counsel Lisa Cave appeared on behalf of the prosecution. (G1)
