Chainsaw operator to walk free after 15 years on remand for brother’s death

Fifty-eight-year-old Errol Cornelius, a chainsaw operator from Karrau Creek, Lower Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is set to be released after serving 15 years on remand for the death of his younger brother, Orin Cornelius.
Having been in custody since May 2011, he has already spent nearly 15 years on remand, meaning the sentence is effectively served.
He was sentenced by Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln at the Essequibo High Court during the criminal assizes after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. The court adopted a starting point of 18 years, then deducted five years for previous good character, four years for genuine remorse and three years for his early guilty plea, reducing the sentence to six years. The fatal incident occurred on May 2, 2011, at the family’s home in Karrau Village, where the brothers lived with their parents. An argument broke out over a CD player while they were cooking on a kerosene stove. During the dispute, Cornelius picked up the lit stove to “bluff” his brother, but it slipped from his hands, igniting a fire that severely burned both his brother and their father. Cornelius attempted to extinguish the flames by throwing water. The injured men were taken for medical treatment and Orin Cornelius, 36, was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he died from septicemia and burns. A Post-Mortem Examination (PME) confirmed the cause of death. Cornelius was arrested the same day and later gave a written statement admitting what happened. The scene investigation revealed fire damage and the kerosene stove used in the incident.
Initially charged with murder, the case took over a decade to conclude before being resolved by a guilty plea to manslaughter. The prosecution emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting it arose from a domestic dispute, involved a dangerous object and represented a breach of trust between brothers. They also pointed to the emotional impact on the family. On the other hand, the defence argued the incident was not premeditated but a spontaneous act influenced by alcohol and poor judgment. They also cited a physical impairment affecting Cornelius’s arm, supporting his claim that the stove slipped accidentally. His attempt to put out the fire, remorse and early guilty plea were also highlighted.
A probation report described Cornelius as coming from a poor background, having left school early to work and support his family. He was the main provider and caregiver for his elderly mother, now in her 90s, whose condition reportedly worsened during his incarceration. The court also noted his good behaviour in prison, where he remained compliant and participated in religious activities.
With the time spent on remand exceeding the sentence imposed, Cornelius is expected to be released after nearly 15 years behind bars.
The prosecution was led by State Counsel Caressa Henry and Fenton Budhram, while the accused was represented by Defence Attorney Tonza Sarrabo.