Man admits killing gold trader

…at Stabroek Market

Joshua Payne who was recently declared mentally fit was cleared to be arraigned on the State’s indictment which alleged that on December 19, 2012, he murdered Kelvin Caines, called “Reds”, a 42-year-old gold trader who was fatally stabbed at the crowded Stabroek Market Square. At last Thursday’s hearing, Payne pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.
The court heard that Payne was evaluated by a doctor and found to be quiet and cooperative. Lead Prosecutor Shawnette Austin accepted the defendant’s manslaughter plea which was guided by defence counsel Keoma Griffith. Presiding Judge, Brassington Reynolds ordered a probation report for the confessed killer who will make his next appearance at the High Court in Georgetown on November 23, when he will be sentenced.
The incident occurred during the wee hours on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at the market. Former Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown resident Caines was stabbed under his left arm by Payne. The deceased father of two was said to be carrying out his normal business operations at the time he was stabbed. He died while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Reports back then stated that the killing could have been motivated by robbery, as allegations surfaced that after the attack, the deceased was robbed. Payne reportedly had hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and a gold chain in his possession at the time of the attack. The gold chain was stolen, along with some of the cash and the remainder of the money was reportedly handed over to the family. It was said that Payne, a known person who suffered with mental health issues, was well known to the family of Caines.