The two men, who were fingered in the shooting which occurred outside of East Ruimveldt Secondary School, appeared on Thursday charged with murder at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Faith McGusty.
Murdered: Paul Rodney
It was alleged that Colwyn Johnson, 34, of Lot 145 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Joshua Meredith murdered Paul Rodney, 31, on November 21 last at Avocado Avenue, East Ruimveldt.
The defendants were not allowed to enter a plea to the indictable offence.
Johnson was represented by attorney Leslie Sobers.
They are scheduled to make their next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLenan on December 22.
Rodney also called “Shirts” of Lot 530 West Ruimveldt, was found lying in a pool of blood on Avocado Avenue, with at least seven gunshot wounds about his body.
Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that at about 02:55h a mobile patrol on Mandela Avenue heard several loud explosions and went to investigate. Upon arrival, a group of men was observed running as they discharged several rounds into the air.
Upon checking the area, the Police noticed the man lying motionlessly, with blood oozing. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Police have since confirmed that the man’s body bore seven gunshot wounds.
When Guyana Times visited the dead man’s home on Monday, his uncle Derick Rodney, explained that he was at home and received the news at about 04:35h. He said that he passed by the scene where the shooting took place but left the Police to continue their investigations.
He noted that upon enquiring, the family was told that his nephew was at a function during which an argument ensued followed by an altercation. He also noted that after the altercation, his nephew attempted to escape but his attackers went after him and opened fire.
The shooting incident took place a short distance from where the party was held. However, the dead man’s uncle related that his nephew lost a lot of blood.
The uncle nevertheless stated that he was not aware if his nephew was involved in any criminal activities since he was dedicated to his ill father, whom he was taking care of.
“He provides for his father who is unable to move and … his father has to be receiving care on a 24-hour basis, so he is with him,” the uncle stated.
On the other hand, the Police are claiming that Rodney is a known character and has been engaged in several brushes with the law. Meanwhile, detectives have recovered several spent shells at the scene that belonged to a small calibre weapon.
