Charlestown man gets life imprisonment for killing friend

In a ruling at the Demerara High Court on Monday, Justice Sandil Kissoon sentenced Lenroy Michael Forde, known as ‘Biggie,’ to life imprisonment for the 2021 murder of his former friend, Odingo Anthony Heywood. The 26-year-old Forde, a father to a five-year-old girl, will be eligible for parole only after serving a minimum of 30 years.
The trial, which spanned four days from October 14 to October 17, 2024, centered around the tragic events of April 21, 2021. According to reports, Forde had visited Heywood’s home in Charlestown, Georgetown, where an intense argument quickly turned violent. In a horrific escalation, Forde fired a gun at Heywood multiple times, striking him ten times in the back. Heywood, then 25 years old, died at the scene.
As details unfolded in court, it was revealed that Forde and Heywood had been lifelong friends, having grown up together in Charlestown. The two had even shared a home at one point. The prosecution, led by attorneys Alvaro Ramotar and Delon Fraser, argued that the shooting stemmed from a feud related to an alleged robbery involving one of Heywood’s associates.

Despite maintaining his innocence throughout, Forde was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict. The case was further complicated by Forde’s initial flight from justice; after the killing, he went into hiding, altering his appearance to avoid detection. Police eventually tracked him down to Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where his girlfriend was also apprehended for sheltering him.
A confession statement from Forde, along with the discarded weapon recovered near his girlfriend’s residence, strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Prosecutor Fraser presented a compelling argument for a severe sentence, noting the calculated and brutal nature of the attack. He argued that Heywood was deprived of the chance to fulfill his life’s potential, and urged the court to deliver a message against such heinous crimes. The victim’s family also shared an emotional impact statement, expressing the profound and lingering grief they endure.
Before sentencing, Justice Kissoon gave Forde a final opportunity to address the court. Forde, who appeared remorseful, apologised to Heywood’s family, acknowledging the gravity of the life lost. Yet, Justice Kissoon condemned the killing as “cold-blooded and premeditated,” emphasising that the multiple shots Forde fired were aimed at vital organs. In his final remarks, Justice Kissoon underscored the severity of the murder, labeling this case as a calculated execution that warranted the harshest penalty.
In addition to the life sentence, Justice Kissoon mandated that Forde participate in anger management and educational programmes while incarcerated. Forde’s criminal history also influenced the sentencing; he had previously served two years for a car robbery and faced disciplinary actions while on remand for offences including an assault on a prison officer. (G9)