Sterfon Barlow on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter, thereby admitting that on July 2, 2016, he unlawfully killed Sherwin Johnson, his lover’s reputed husband.
Last month, Barlow and his lover Alexis Turpin went on trial for Johnson’s murder.
That trial ended in a hung jury. Accordingly, Justice Brassington Reynolds had ordered a retrial for both of them.
Barlow has now opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He will return to court on April 14 for sentencing, which will be imposed after a probation report on him is presented to the court.
Murder accused: Alexis Turpin
Barlow is being represented by defence Attorney Clyde Forde, while the prosecution is being represented by State Counsel Tyra Bakker.
According to reports, Turpin and Johnson had parented a child and had lived together at Chapel Street, Lodge, Georgetown. It has been reported that Johnson arrived home on July 2, 2016 and found Turpin in bed with Barlow. The heated argument that ensued between the parties escalated into a fight, during which Turpin and Barlow reportedly dealt Johnson several stabs about his body with a knife. They also lashed the man with pieces of wood and a crowbar.
Following the beating, Johnson was hospitalised while Turpin and Barlow were charged with attempted murder. However, after Johnson succumbed to his injuries, the charge against Turpin and Barlow was upgraded to murder.
Both of these accused had reportedly given cautionary statements detailing their roles in the incident. Turpin is still awaiting trial for the offence. Her case is expected to be called again at the April session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.
