Logger sentenced to life in prison after slitting man’s throat

After nearly four years of legal proceedings, 29-year-old Marlon LaRose, a logger from Maria Henrietta, Upper Berbice River, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Kevin Hercules of Wiruni Village, Berbice River.
The ruling was handed down on Monday by Justice Sandil Kissoon, following the conclusion of LaRose’s trial before a panel of jurors.
LaRose, who was arrested on September 17, 2021, had confessed to the killing during an altercation. However, throughout the trial, he showed no remorse for his actions—a fact that weighed heavily in the judge’s decision. As part of the sentencing, LaRose will be eligible for parole only after serving 30 years behind bars.
The murder occurred between September 12 and 13, 2021, in Wiruni Village, Berbice River. Hercules, who had been drinking with friends that evening, reportedly asked for a ride home. Witnesses saw him entering a boat with other individuals, but he never made it to his destination. Concerned family members reported him missing, and on September 14, 2021, his body was discovered floating in the Berbice River.
Police has said that Hercules’s body showed signs of extreme violence with his face was mutilated, and his throat had been slit.
A jury was empaneled on December 4, 2024, and the trial commenced on December 9. The prosecution, led by Attorneys A. Ramotar and D. Fraser, presented compelling evidence against LaRose, while the defence, represented by Attorney R. Bostwick, sought to argue his case.
After both sides closed their arguments on December 11, 2024 Justice Kissoon set December 16 for the summation and verdict. The jury found LaRose guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter.
During sentencing on Monday, Justice Kissoon condemned LaRose’s lack of remorse, stating that the brutality of the crime and the pain inflicted on the victim’s family warranted the life sentence.