Duo goes on trial next week for 2016 murder of Tuschen man

Two men – Rocky Lallu and Somar Shako – will go on trial from next Tuesday for the 2016 murder of a 22-year-old Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) resident. Lallu and Shako were arraigned before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court on Tuesday.

They pleaded not guilty to the joint charge for the capital offence of murder. It is alleged that on January 1, 2016, at Greenwich Park, EBE, they murdered Dewaun Anthony Baksh.
Lallu is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Mohabir, while Attorneys-at-Law Sophia Findlay, Konyo Sandiford, and Narissa Leander are appearing for his co-accused.
State Counsel Latifah Elliot and State Counsel Marisa Edwards are appearing for the prosecution. The trial of the two accused will commence on Tuesday before a 12-member mixed jury.
It was reported that on January 1, 2016, at about 21:30h, Dewaun Baksh was picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. On the day in question, Baksh, who had returned to Guyana after five years to spend Christmas with his family, left home in the company of his two brothers to celebrate the New Year.
They left home at around 17:40h for Bushy Park, Parika, EBE, but subsequently went to Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and then to a popular shop in Greenwich Park. However, while there, Rafeek Baksh, the youngest of the three brothers, recognised a man who reportedly had a relationship with his sister some years ago.
The man was with a group of men. Rafeek reportedly approached and asked the man if he remembered him to which the man answered “no”. One of the men from the group misinterpreted what was asked and proceeded to use abusive language toward Rafeek.
Dewaun approached and enquired of his brother if he was okay and as they turned to walk away, they were attacked by the group of men with glass bottles. It was during the attack that one of the men broke a glass bottle and stabbed Dewaun several times about his body.