Businesswoman, sons’ murder case
BY KIZZY COLEMAN
The alleged killer, who over the weekend confessed to murdering an Anna Catherina businesswoman and her two young sons in 2012, was on Tuesday remanded when he appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on the West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Abishai Caesar, 31, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was slapped with three charges – murder, assault and threatening language.
The first charge alleged that on September 24, 2012, at Anna Catherina, WCD, he murdered 41-year-old Jennifer Persaud and her sons Afridi Bacchus, age six; and Jadon Persaud, 18 months old.
He was not required to plea to the indictable charge.
According to reports, on the night of September 24, 2012, the dead woman, who was an owner of a liquor store and bar, along with her two sons were discovered at around 20:10h with their throats slit.
Her body was found on a bed with Afridi on top of her and Jadon on the floor next to the bed. Their bodies were said to be already in a state of decomposition, indicating that they were murdered about a day before the gruesome discovery was made.
With the exception of the wardrobe that was out of order in the woman’s home, the remainder of the house was untouched.
Meanwhile, Caesar pleaded not guilty to the second charge which alleged that on April 2, 2016, at Tuschen Housing Scheme, he assaulted Zoey Phillips with the intent to cause actual bodily harm.
The third charge alleged that on April 22, 2016, at Tuschen Housing Scheme, he used threatening language and behaviour against Zoey Phillip.
The prosecution’s case stated that on the day in question, at around 03:00h the accused went home and an argument ensued between him and his reputed wife Zoey Phillips.
As the disagreement spiralled out of control, the accused threatened the Virtual Complainant (VC) to cut off her neck. He reportedly forced the VC to take off her clothing, threatening to beat her.
The woman was able to escape and the matter was reported to a Police outpost in the area. Caesar was subsequently arrested.
On the third charge, the accused denied the allegation openly in court after which the Magistrate entered him into a not guilty plea.
Reports are that on the morning of April 22, 2016, after Phillips was able to escape the accused, she sought help from a Police outpost and was subsequently taken to the Leonora Police Station where she told Police Officers of the years of abuse that she endured at the hands of Caesar.
But what she disclosed next would bring to light the person that was responsible for the deaths of the businesswoman and her sons; a case which had gone cold.
She told Police Officers that they should question Caesar for that murder. When further questioned by Police, the woman divulged the gruesome details of that night.
She disclosed that on the night in question, Caesar left their home in Anna Catherina where they were living at that time and that she reportedly saw him heading up to the businesswoman’s house after which she allegedly heard screams.
She claimed that moments after, the man went back to his home and reportedly confessed to her what he had downe. She related that he allegedly explained that he had gone to rob the woman but she awoke and saw him. Because she would be able to identify him, he was forced to attack her, killing her in the process.
The couple continued living next door to the dead woman for a while before they moved. Phillips stated that she was forced to keep quiet about the incident.
The case will continue on May 31.
