Hotelier, ‘hitman’ to face Judge for plotting to kill businessman

The proprietor of Rocky’s Hotel and his alleged hired ‘hitman’ who were jointly charged for conspiring to murder a businessman in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were on Monday committed to stand trial at the Demerara High Court after a prima facie case was made out against them.

Fifty-seven-year-old Mark Grimmond, of Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Chatterpaul Singh, a 36-year-old miner of First Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), were charged with the offence on June 13, 2019.
It is alleged that between April 1, 2018 and June 7, 2019, in Georgetown, they conspired with each other and persons unknown to kill Dwayne Grant.
The men were on trial before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
When the matter was called on Monday, the Chief Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence against the duo for them to stand trial before a Judge and jury at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
The case was prosecuted by Inspector Neville Jeffers.
It was reported that the Virtual Complainant, a businessman in Lethem, reported to the Police that he received information that the defendants were plotting to kill him.
As such, an investigation was conducted by the Police during which Singh was arrested after a firearm was found in his possession.
When questioned, Singh reportedly had a detailed conversation with the ranks and admitted that he and Grimmond were planning to kill Grant.
Officers were also able to obtain recordings of telephone conversations between the defendants. Advice was sought from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who recommended that charges be instituted.
The defendants are currently out on $500,000 bail each.