EBD man jailed for strangling estranged wife to death
A resident of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara has been jailed for 18 years after admitting to strangling his estranged reputed wife to death.
Initially indicted for the murder of Lowtie Atwaroo, 41-year-old Daniel Watson appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon on Thursday and pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.
Daniel Watson and his reputed wife Lowtie Atwaroo in happier times
Reports are that on May 21, 2018, Atwaroo went to visit her reputed husband after she moved out of the home they had shared. She had reportedly moved out two months prior to her demise because she was being abused by him. However, although she had moved out of the home, they had continued a visiting relationship.
On the day in question, the woman had gone to Watson’s home and, shortly after, neighbours heard her screaming. She was found submerged in a trench.
After committing the act, Watson had fled the scene, but was later apprehended by the Police.
During a plea in mitigation, Watson’s lawyer, Teriq Mohammed, asked the Judge to temper justice with mercy, and in doing so, asked that consideration be given to the fact that his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest chance he got.
Further, the lawyer stated that his client is of good character, and even described him as a model prisoner.
Asked by Justice Kissoon if he had anything to say before the sentence was passed, Watson begged Atwaroo’s family for forgiveness.
Having considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, the Judge concluded that a prison sentence of 18 years was appropriate in this case.
In his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon noted the prevalence of intimate partner violence in society, and said the courts have a duty to impose sentences that would serve as a deterrent to persons who might be contemplating the commission of such crimes.
The Judge described Atwaroo’s killing as “brutal and gruesome”.
