Jury selected in trial of man charged with 2017 murder

A 12-member jury has been selected for the trial of 40-year-old Naresh Baldeo, called “Blackboy”, who is currently on remand for an August 2017 murder. His trial will commence next Wednesday before Essequibo High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds.

Upon his arraignment, Baldeo, formerly of Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, denied the charge which alleged that he murdered Mohabeer Gangadeen, a miner, on August 12, 2017, in the Potaro Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Senior State Counsel Tiffini Lyken is appearing for the prosecution while Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Dindayal is representing the murder accused.
Police Headquarters had said that the men were at a dredge in Potaro Backdam consuming High Wine and vodka when an argument ensued. Gangadeen had reportedly accused Baldeo and another employee of stealing gold from the dredge. As a result, the men got into a heated argument during which Gangadeen picked up a spade and dealt Baldeo several lashes to his face and hand. According to reports, Baldeo overpowered Gangadeen and took away the spade, with which he then dealt the now dead man several lashes about his body.