Kenesha Vaughn’s death PI delayed, as witness statements still outstanding

The court proceedings into the fatal shooting of Kenesha Vaughn, allegedly at the hands of her partner, city businessman Marlan DaSilva, have been adjourned to May 22 as witness statements are still to be filed ahead of a planned Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The matter was heard virtually on Monday by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in her Diamond court, and it was noted that the case could not proceed until the declaration of statements is completed. The PI, which determines whether there is enough evidence to commit the accused to stand trial in the High Court, has yet to begin.
Vaughn, a 25-year-old mother, was allegedly shot and killed on the night of February 22 at the couple’s home in Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded following a domestic dispute. Vaughn and DaSilva, who had been in a relationship for four years and had shared a three-year-old son, reportedly got into a heated argument at around 20:00h.
Investigators were told that DaSilva allegedly slapped Vaughn during the confrontation, and Vaughn retaliated by reportedly arming herself with a knife and approaching him. At this point, DaSilva allegedly drew his licensed 9mm firearm from his waistband and discharged multiple rounds in Vaughn’s direction, striking her several times about the body.
The woman collapsed on the kitchen floor, and DaSilva allegedly called the police, who responded by rushing Vaughn to the Diamond Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment.
Police recovered four spent 9mm casings and three suspected projectiles at the scene. A post-mortem examination later revealed that Vaughn sustained 12 gunshot wounds, including both entry and exit injuries.
Surveillance footage from the home has since been admitted into evidence, and
police have confirmed that the businessman appeared to have been intoxicated at the time of the incident, having reportedly consumed alcohol earlier that evening at a popular bar in Main Street Georgetown.
With the PI pending, the court must first receive all witness statements before moving to the next stage of the inquiry. Once the statements are disclosed and the witnesses testify, the magistrate would determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit DaSilva to stand trial for murder in the High Court. Until then, DaSilva remains on remand.