Former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank Alistair Woolford, accused of discharging a loaded firearm at electrician Devon Howell with intent to murder him on November 21, 2014 at D’Andrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown, denied a manslaughter charge before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury empanelled to hear the case on Thursday in the Demerara High Court.
Devon Howell
Howell, a former resident of Da Silva Street, Newtown, Kitty, had been hospitalised after the incident, but succumbed to his injuries on December 8th, 2014, almost three weeks later.
It had been reported back then that the two men, along with others, had allegedly been taking turns feeling the gun when Howell was shot in the neck. He reportedly received injuries to his upper spinal cord, and died without regaining consciousness.
Woolford was initially indicted with an attempted murder charge, but was later accused of manslaughter after his friend succumbed to his injuries.
The prosecution’s contention is that Woolford discharged the loaded firearm with intent to murder Howell.
Allistar Woolford
At conclusion of the preliminary inquiry in 2015, the defendant had said he had no intention of shooting Howell.
Starting next Monday, a jury will determine if Howell’s killing was accidental, or if it was a game of Russian roulette being played.
