A Lethem businessman was hauled before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for the murder of a 17-year-old miner.
Charged: Junior France
Junior France of Lot 210 Tabatinga, Lethem, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert via Skype.
The charge stated that on May 17, 2020, at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River, he murdered Dane Jerrick of Lot 1 A, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
During the court proceedings, the 42-year-old man claimed that his son informed him of an imposter on his property. He stated that he went to investigate and saw Jerrick. At this point, he discharged several rounds.
However, the prosecution is contending that ranks who carried out the investigation were told by an eyewitness that Jerrick was not on the defendant’s property.
Dead: Dane Jerrick
During an interview with the media following the teen’s death, his uncle, George Jerrick, said that his family was told by eyewitnesses that his nephew and a truck driver had an argument, which led to a fight. He claimed that Jerrick was running to escape the blows when someone began shouting “thief, thief”. It was then that the man allegedly whipped out his gun and shot the teen.
France was remanded to prison. The case will continue on July 19, 2020.
