Almost five years after he was charged for killing a man at White Water Landing, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 50-year-old Alvin Calder is presently on trial for the offence before Justice Gino Persaud at the High Court in Essequibo.
Accused killer: Alvin Calder
Though he was initially charged with murder, State Prosecutor Lisa Cave has indicted Calder for manslaughter. According to the charge, on April 12, 2007, at White Water Landing, Potaro, Essequibo, Calder, formerly of Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, unlawfully killed Joseph Willy called “Jeff-man”.
Upon his arraignment before the Judge, Calder pleaded not guilty.
Media reports are that Calder was only apprehended in 2016, nine years after he allegedly killed the man. It was reported that the men were involved in a drug deal that went bad. Moreover, Willy had allegedly owed the accused $150,000 for goods he had taken from his shop and had refused to pay him despite several requests.
According to reports, on the day in question, Calder saw a relative of the now dead man and confronted her over the monies he had owed. After Willy learnt of the confrontation, he reportedly approached Calder armed with a cutlass. At that point, it was reported that Calder shot him twice, and then made good his escape. (G1)
