Duo charged with armed robbery after mother, daughter relieved of over $1M

Two men were on Friday charged with two counts of robbery under arms in connection with an alleged armed attack on a mother and daughter on Sandy Babb Street in Georgetown earlier this month.
DeAndre Downes and Dayshon Lyken are accused of robbing Lynette Rampersad and her daughter Priya Singh on January 7 while armed with a firearm.
According to the prosecution, Rampersad was robbed of $460,000 in cash, while Singh was relieved of $550,000, totalling more than $1 million.
The men appeared before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty, where prosecutors objected strongly to bail, citing the seriousness of the offences, the penalties attached, and the accused men’s previous run-ins with the law.
The prosecution told the court that both men are no strangers to the judicial system. It was revealed that Downes is currently before the court on a firearm-related matter at the Sparendaam court on the East Coast of Demerara, while Lyken is facing an attempted murder charge. Prosecutors further disclosed that the alleged robbery was committed while both men were on bail for other offences.
According to the prosecution, Police have video footage placing the two accused in the vicinity where the robbery allegedly occurred. After the incident, a search was conducted at Downes’ residence, during which Police reportedly recovered clothing allegedly worn during the robbery.
Additionally, prosecutors stated that a gold chain belonging to one of the virtual complainants was recovered during the search in Downes’s pants pocket. The chain was later identified by the victim as her property.
When questioned by the Magistrate, the prosecution acknowledged that no identification parade was conducted. The investigating officer attached to the case, when given an opportunity to speak, explained that the suspects were allegedly using a motorcycle, and the investigation instead focused on placing the suspects and the motorcycle at the scene.
The prosecution maintained that Downes was the individual who allegedly used the firearm during the robbery of the mother and daughter.
During the hearing, Chief Magistrate McGusty raised concerns regarding the firearm, noting that while the charges alleged a gun was used, the issue had not been fully ventilated before the court.
Downes’ attorney argued against bail objections, stating that the current matter has no connection to his client’s other cases and should not be held against him. The lawyer insisted that Downes is not a flight risk and reminded the court that his client is innocent until proven guilty.
According to the defence, Downes claimed he was asleep at home when Police arrived. He alleged that upon waking, he saw Police officers holding a gold chain and accusing him of stealing it. The attorney further stated that Downes was interviewed and denied any involvement in the alleged robbery.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate McGusty refused bail to Downes, citing the allegation that he used a firearm during the commission of the offences.
However, Lyken was granted $200,000 bail on each charge, totalling $400,000. As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to report to the Kitty Police Station on the last Wednesday of every month between 09:00h and 12:00h.
The matter has been adjourned to February 6.