Man acquitted of gang-related Linden murder

Samorea Mitchell was on Monday unanimously acquitted of the 2021 murder of 23-year-old Delroy Anthony McKenzie, following the conclusion of a high-profile trial before the Demerara High Court. Mitchell, who had been charged with orchestrating McKenzie’s killing during an alleged gang-related ambush in Linden, was found not guilty by all 12 jurors after the case was heard before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh.

He was represented by counsel, while the prosecution was led by State Counsel Christopher Belfield, assisted by State Counsel Geneva. The charge stemmed from the July 17, 2021, fatal shooting of McKenzie at Sunflower Street, Wismar, Linden, an incident the State had described as a calculated execution linked to gang rivalry. According to the prosecution’s case, Mitchell, McKenzie and several associates had allegedly planned to attack members of the MOB Gang during a barbecue event in Linden on the day in question. However, prosecutors alleged that Mitchell secretly disclosed the plan to a member of the rival gang, resulting in a counter-plot to lure McKenzie to Sunflower Street under the guise of discussing the original attack. The State contended that when McKenzie arrived in Linden, Mitchell directed him to the location where he and four other individuals were waiting inside a vehicle. As McKenzie approached the car with his friend, Calvin Daly, the occupants allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding McKenzie and injuring Daly.

Evidence led at trial revealed that McKenzie sustained nine gunshot wounds, with bullets travelling from back to front. Investigators recovered 27 spent shells and two 9mm bullets from the scene, while ballistic examinations reportedly indicated that at least two firearms were used in the shooting. The prosecution further alleged that the vehicle used in the attack had been stolen from Georgetown and later abandoned at Kuru Kuru Junction, before being transported to Linden. It was later burnt and abandoned at Blue Lake, one day after the killing. Following the incident, Mitchell was accused of fleeing to Mahdia on July 18, 2021, before returning to Linden. Despite allegedly knowing he was wanted by the police, prosecutors said he remained in hiding until September 3, 2021, when he turned himself in at the Mackenzie Police Station in the presence of his attorney. During the investigation, Police conducted several video-recorded interviews and confrontations with Mitchell and other suspects. While Mitchell denied involvement, prosecutors claimed that on September 7, 2021, he requested to speak “off camera” and later gave a caution statement detailing the events surrounding the killing. However, the State said Mitchell refused to sign the statement, citing fear of being labelled a “snitch” and concerns for his safety. Mitchell has consistently denied the prosecution’s claims, disputing that he never confessed or admitted involvement in the murder. A post-mortem examination conducted on July 19, 2021, by forensic pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, confirmed that McKenzie died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple gunshot injuries. The examination revealed extensive internal bleeding, with approximately 2,000 cubic centimetres of blood found in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Despite the detailed evidence presented by the State, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty, bringing the nearly five-year-long matter to an end. Mitchell was freed following the verdict.