An attempted murder charge was instituted against 27-year-old Fawazz McRae after he allegedly shot his Policeman cousin in the head and left him on a life support machine. Now that Police Sergeant Jermain Semple, 32, of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice (WCB), has passed away, the Police are seeking legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
A Police file on the shooting was dispatched to the DPP’s office on Friday.
On March 15, McRae, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was charged with attempt to commit murder, two days after he shot Sergeant Semple in the head.
The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Wanda Fortune when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.
Remanded: Fawazz McRae
Sergeant Semple died without regaining consciousness on March 17 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. He was stationed at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).
Reports are that on Sunday, March 12, the Policeman, his brother Dervon Semple and his cousin were imbibing at the Crown and Anchor Grill and Bar in Linden.
At about 21:00h, a fight ensued between the cop and his brother. During the altercation, the cousin went to make peace, and a fight then ensued between the Police Sergeant and his cousin.
Police in a release said that as a result, the cousin took out his licensed handgun, a .32 pistol, at about 21:30h, and discharged two rounds in the victim’s direction. One struck the cop in his head, causing him to receive severe injuries. He was then rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex and due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the GPHC.
Police in a statement said the cousin was arrested and the firearm was retrieved, which contained four live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber.
According to the Police, McRae received injuries to his left elbow and right ear during the fight, and was escorted to the hospital for medical attention.
He was subsequently discharged, and charged.
Two .32 spent shells were found at the crime scene. (G1)
