Riverview bar shooting: Duo’s case stalled by ballistics report delay
Travis Farley, 24, and his girlfriend, 23-year-old Bhurita Motilall, of Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, in their latest court appearance, came before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday for the Nov 3, 2024, shooting incident that left their 37-year-old neighbour, Zahir Hussein, injured.
At their first court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, both defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted $200,000 bail each.
At this latest hearing, the prosecution revealed that the case file remains incomplete as the ballistics report is still outstanding.
The report is critical to the investigation, and its absence has delayed the case for months.
Magistrate Azore adjourned the matter until February 28, to allow time for the report to be submitted.
Travis Farley and his girlfriend Bhurita Motilall
According to the facts presented during their first court appearance, the incident occurred at a bar in Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, reportedly owned by Farley.
On the night of the event, between 21:30h and 22:00h, Hussein was standing at the bar on the southern side of the street when Farley, riding as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle, stopped in front.
He allegedly instructed Motilall, who was inside the bar, to pass him a gun. Eyewitnesses reported that the firearm was handed to Farley, who then discharged several rounds, resulting in injuries to Hussein’s legs.
Injured: Zahir Hussein
No firearm was recovered at the scene; however, spent shells and two live 9mm rounds were found.
Following the incident, both Motilall and Farley were arrested and charged.
Attorney Adrian Thompson, who is representing the accused, had argued that Hussein and Farley had engaged in a scuffle where no firearm was used. He requested reasonable bail for both defendants, emphasising that they have two young children together.
Prosecutor Sean Williams had objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offense. He noted that due to the severity of Hussein’s injuries, he was unable to appear in court. Williams also mentioned that a witness reported seeing the gun being handed from Motilall to Farley.
After consideration, Magistrate McGusty granted bail in the sum of $200,000 for each accused, with conditions requiring them to report to the East La Penitence Police Station.
The case remains ongoing as investigators work to complete the file.
