Man acquitted in 2020 New Market Street murder case

After standing trial at the Demerara High Court for the 2020 killing of 43-year-old Bharrat Dass, Georgetown resident Shawn Small was found not guilty by a 12-member jury on Friday.
The verdict marked the end of a lengthy legal process surrounding an incident that drew considerable public attention when it first occurred.
In April this year, Small appeared before Justice Jo Ann Barlow, where he was formally indicted for the charge of murder. Represented by Defence Attorney Kiswana Jefford, the accused entered a plea of not guilty during his arraignment.
The trial proceeded over several days, culminating in Friday’s verdict that ultimately cleared him of the charge.

Small, said to be in his late twenties, had most recently resided at D’Andrade Street, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown. He faced a felony murder charge in connection with a robbery that reportedly occurred on November 5, 2020, along New Market Street in Georgetown. During that incident, it was alleged that Bharrat Dass, the victim, sustained multiple stab wounds.
According to accounts provided, Small had been in the company of Dass and others on the day in question. The group was reportedly drinking at Dass’ place of work. After some time, the others departed, but it was alleged that Small later returned to the location. It was further claimed that he attacked Dass, delivering several blows to his head, and then left the scene with Dass’ mobile phone and a sum of cash.
Dass was discovered in a severely injured state by his son, who promptly rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Despite efforts to save him, Dass succumbed to his injuries on November 11, six days after the alleged attack.
Following a police investigation into the matter, Shawn Small was arrested and subsequently charged with the capital offence. With the conclusion of the trial and the jury’s decision, Small has now been acquitted of all charges related to the case.