Reg 1 man who murdered stepson in 2022 given life sentence

A Black Water, Region One (Barima-Waini) resident was sentenced to life imprisonment for fatally stabbing his stepson during a violent altercation. On Thursday, Justice Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence to 32-year-old Nigel Abrams for the murder of his 17-year-old stepson, Daniel Wilson, on April 17, 2022.
Abrams will become eligible for parole after serving 20 years.
Initially charged with murder, Abrams pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter as part of a deal during the court proceedings. Represented by attorney Joshua Benn, Abrams faced prosecutor Delon Fraser, who outlined the tragic events leading to Wilson’s death.
The sentencing for Wilson’s death comes just days after Abrams was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the attempted murder of Wilson’s cousin, 19-year-old Ron Moonsammy. That case, presided over by Justice Peter Hugh, arose from the same violent incident.

The tragic events unfolded on the night of April 17, 2022 when Abrams, Wilson, and Moonsammy were imbibing together at Black Water. What began as a social gathering turned violent when an argument erupted between Abrams and Wilson.
As the argument escalated, Abrams turned violent, attacking Wilson. When Moonsammy intervened to protect his cousin, Abrams stabbed him in the chest, leaving him critically injured. Wilson sustained fatal injuries during the altercation.
Emergency responders transported Moonsammy to the Mabaruma Public Hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for life-saving treatment.
In sentencing Abrams, Justice Kissoon condemned the brutality of the act, emphasising the need for accountability and justice. In addition to the life sentence for Wilson’s death, Abrams was ordered to participate in educational and behavioural rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated.
Justice Kissoon highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contributed to Abrams’ actions, stating that such measures are crucial to preventing future violence.
Earlier in the week, Abrams was sentenced to 12 years for the attempted murder of Moonsammy. Justice Peter Hugh, who presided over that case, considered the severity of the injuries inflicted on Moonsammy and the circumstances under which the attack occurred.
Both sentences serve as a stern reminder of the severe consequences of violent behaviour, particularly in situations involving domestic and interpersonal conflicts. The court’s decisions also underscore its commitment to deterring similar crimes while addressing rehabilitation for offenders.