Pomeroon miner sentenced to death for killing pensioner

Kenrick Lyte of Good Intent, Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was found guilty of murder on Wednesday by a 12-member jury at the Suddie, Essequibo Coast, High Court.

The 43-year-old man was charged in 2014 for the murder of 72-year-old Osmond Fiedtkou.
The prosecution contended that the incident took place at Groete Creek, Essequibo River, between July 9 and 13, 2014. According to the prosecution’s case, Lyte and the pensioner were alone in a boat when an argument ensued over monies owed to the deceased by the accused. It was contended that Lyte took a shotgun that was inside the boat and shot the pensioner to his chest then threw away the gun and sank the boat.
During the trial, the accused maintained that he is innocent and is not responsible for the crime.
In closing arguments, the Defense Counsel agreed that on the day in question the accused and the deceased were last seen together, he, however, noted that none of the witnesses provided evidence to prove that the accused had an argument with the deceased and then shot him. He further stated that none of the witnesses saw the accused sink the boat and dump the gun that was used to commit the murder.
The prosecution urged the jury to rely on the circumstantial evidence when arriving at their verdict. The prosecution argued that there was a motive to commit the act, since the accused owed the deceased money and the accused, in his caution statement, alluded that he indeed had an argument with the deceased.
The post-mortem examination revealed several pellets which were found in the victim’s chest, which suggested that the victim was shot at close range.
The presiding Judge, Justice Sandil Kisoon handed down the death sentence after pointing out that the accused deprived an elderly gentleman of his life.