A Policeman was on Friday remanded to prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a murder charge.
Robert Daniels, 23, of Lot 57 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, is accused of killing Estevao Marques Costa on August 11, 2018 in the vicinity of Puruni Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
In court on Friday, Defence Attorney Patrice Henry informed the court that he is surprised that his client was charged for murder. He informed the court that eyewitnesses on the scene stated that two shots were fired; however, only one
Police Constable Robert Daniel covers his face in a bid to conceal his identity as he exited the courtroom
bullet was missing from his client’s service weapon.
Further, he noted that only recently, a hotelier was released on bail after allegedly murdering his neighbour and had the charge reduced to manslaughter.
However, the Police Prosecutor told the court that the file is incomplete since statements from several witnesses are missing.
Reports are Daniels along with a subordinate officer – both attached to the Kurupung Police Station – abandoned their post and left on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). They subsequently left the area via a boat and went to Puruni landing. Upon their arrival there, the Police Constable reportedly exited the boat and went to a shop.
The subordinate officer remained at the landing, but upon hearing a loud explosion, he rushed to the scene and was allegedly told that the miner had shot at the Police Constable, and he in response, returned fire thus mortally wounding the miner.
The Brazilian’s body was left lying on the ground, but it was subsequently picked up by the Policemen.
Other Police ranks who were in the area investigating another matter proceeded to the scene and took possession of the .30 carbine rifle which was used by the Constable.
According to eyewitnesses, the officers allegedly tried to dispose of the body. The matter was reported to the Divisional Commander who ordered the arrest of the two ranks and an investigative team was dispatched to Puruni to further probe the matter.
