High Court denied application filed by Kezia Williams to release cop involved in fatal shooting

An application to the High Court to release Kristoff De Nobrega, the cop who shot and killed 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus during an alleged undercover operation at Haslington, East Coast Demerara on June 10, has been turned down.

The attorney who filed the application, Kezia Williams, had filed a writ of Habeas Corpus on De Nobrega’s behalf, compelling the Police to justify their actions to keep De Nobrega in custody beyond the constitutional 72-hour detention period. The matter was heard by Justice Sandil Kissoon.
The State was represented by Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, who reportedly informed the court that since a Policeman is involved, an investigation would have to be carried out by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

On this note, Hawke reiterated that the Police Force cannot investigate one of its own.
Guyana Times understands that the Judge ordered that De Nobrega be placed on ‘open arrest’, and that he should remain confined in the compound of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) under Police guard.
Bacchus, was shot at least six times on June 10 at Haslington. Police have stated that the victim had attempted to sell an illegal firearm to the undercover cop when he was shot. Both the victim and the Policeman had known each other.
However, witnesses have come forward with information that Bacchus and the cop in question had known each other and had had an ongoing feud.
It was reported that ranks were carrying out an intelligence-led operation in the area, during which the plainclothes rank had made arrangements to purchase the firearm from Bacchus, who left and then returned with the firearm. While in the process of handing over the firearm, an alarm was raised, and this resulted in the now dead man attempting to escape while reportedly shooting at ranks. Police said the rank returned fire, and Bacchus was shot.
The firearm was later identified as a .380 pistol with a magazine that had one round.