Kenesha Vaughn murder case: Magistrate Court throws out no-case submission; closing arguments expected in 2 weeks

The Diamond Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a no-case submission made on behalf of murder accused Marlon DaSilva, who is before the court for the alleged killing of 27-year-old housewife Kenesha Vaughn.

Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, who is representing DaSilva, explained that the no-case submission, intended to have the charge dismissed on the grounds of insufficient evidence, was overruled by the presiding Magistrate, Dylon Bess.
The matter which was previously before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was reassigned back in July to Magistrate Dylon Bess in Court 3 at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court.
According to Datadin, the no-case submission was overruled on Monday, and with the no-case submission dismissed, the defence is now preparing for closing arguments, which will be made within the next two weeks.
“The no-case submission we made yesterday was overruled, and we now move forward with our defence. We have a couple of weeks to put in final submissions,” Datadin told the Guyana Times during a telephone interview on Tuesday.
“It’s a Magistrate’s court, right? So, it’s not usual that you get written reasons like in the High Court. The Magistrate hears the submission, makes a decision, and moves on.”
Asked about the state’s position, Datadin confirmed that attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes remains the lawyer representing the prosecution. He added that the prosecution will respond after the defence has submitted its final arguments.
“There isn’t sufficient evidence to go to a jury. Essentially, if it were before a jury, it would be called a closing argument. So, we have closing submissions to make in the Magistrate’s court,” the Defence Attorney noted.
The case, involving 32-year-old businessman Marlon DaSilva, who is charged with the brutal killing of his partner Kenesha Vaughn on February 22, 2025, has been marred by delays. Although all statements have been filed, the PI has yet to commence substantively.
Vaughn and DaSilva were in an intimate relationship for four years, during which they had a three-year-old son. The family resided together at the Diamond Housing Scheme address for the past year.
Reports are that on the day in question, DaSilva arrived home and met the victim – who was at the time inside the kitchen – when a heated argument ensued between them. The argument turned into a physical altercation, resulting in the suspect slapping the now deceased woman.
In retaliation, the woman allegedly armed herself with a knife, and as she was approaching the suspect, he whipped out his firearm from his front pants waist and discharged several rounds in her direction, hitting her in several parts of her body.
She immediately fell to the ground and became motionless. After committing the alleged act, the suspect contacted the Police, who responded and rushed the victim to the Diamond Hospital, where she died.
It was reported that the argument allegedly stemmed from the victim confronting the businessman about several inappropriate text messages from a male friend. At the scene, four 9 mm spent shells and three suspected projectiles were recovered.
An inspection of the victim’s body revealed 12 injuries described as entry and exit wounds. Police also confirmed that the suspect was highly intoxicated and was earlier in the evening seen consuming alcohol at a popular drinking establishment on Main Street, Georgetown.