Man tells jury Police “trying to implicate” him in shopkeeper’s murder

When the trial of Odel Roberts continued on Monday before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and a 12-member jury, the alleged killer accused the police of “trying to implicate” him in the May 1, 2015 murder of Sophia, Greater Georgetown shopkeeper Shawn Anys.
Anys, who owned and managed a small grocery shop at his home, was confronted by the bandits just before 23:00h on May 1, 2015. According to reports, the man was in his home when he heard the dogs barking and ventured out of the house to investigate.
He was then confronted by two armed men, who forced him into the house and shot him while demanding money and valuables. The gunmen made off with $40,000 along with jewellery. Anys was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Another man, Jamal Forde, was also charged with Anys’ killing. However, Forde was acquitted of the charge last December after Justice Sandil Kissoon upheld a no-case submission by his lawyers and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.
Five years after he was charged with the murder, Roberts’ trial commenced last week at the High Court in Demerara. On Tuesday, prosecutors closed the case for the State. Roberts, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Damion DaSilva, was called on to lead a defence.
He elected to give an unsworn testimony and called no witnesses to testify on his behalf.

Roberts, also known as, “Gully Side”, testified, “… I was questioned of a murder and I stayed silent. I was escorted to CID HQ. I was questioned in a room with three other officers and a female officer in the room. Them ask me if I know anything about any murder that happen in Sophia on the first of May. I told them no. Them ask me again if I wish to write a written statement. I tell them I have no knowledge of no murder that took place because I was in prison.”
The murder accused continued, “What [Police Inspector] Suraj Singh told this court… is a lie. I never, ever at no time offer any book to sign to anything. Because I didn’t say anything. Another time at Sparendaam station, he [Singh] ask me the same thing, and I told him that I do not have any knowledge of any murder. Your Honour, this case here suh, I am an innocent man against it. And I have no knowledge about what the police trying to implicate me in.”
Following Robert’s testimony, State Prosecutors Nafeeza Baig and Tiffini Lyken made closing submissions. Closing submissions were also made on behalf of the defence. Justice Sewnarine-Beharry will sum up the evidence on Wednesday and put the case to the jury for deliberation on a verdict. Roberts is currently serving a three years’ prison term for trafficking marijuana.