Seawall robbery, stabbing: Suspect slapped with attempted murder charge

A 24-year-old mason was on Wednesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on an attempted murder charge arising from a violent alleged robbery on the Kitty Seawall.

Amon Gilbert of Lot 19 ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on April 13, at the Kitty Seawall Road in the vicinity of Brian’s Chill Spot, he, with intent to commit murder, unlawfully and maliciously inflicted injuries on Calvin Blackman, during the course of an armed robbery under arms with the intent to murder him.
The court heard that the incident occurred at about 02:50h, when Blackman, a 25-year-old accountant of Lot 42 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and his colleague, 30-year-old Brandon Murtley of Eccles New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, were walking along the southern side of the Kitty Seawall heading west.
Police said the two men were confronted by two identifiable males, who were reportedly seated on the seawall at the time. One of the suspects, who was identified as Gilbert, allegedly approached the men and demanded “a thousand,” which was refused.
It is alleged that the situation escalated when both suspects stood up and confronted the victims, with one producing a knife from his waistband while the other continued demanding money. The court was told that Blackman pushed the armed suspect [Gilbert] in an attempt to escape and ran west along the seawall road.
However, during the ensuing chase, Blackman reportedly fell to the ground, at which point the armed Gilbert allegedly caught up to him and stabbed him multiple times before both suspects fled the scene in an eastern direction.
Police later responded and escorted both victims to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Medical personnel have since confirmed that Blackman sustained a stab wound to the right side of his chest and remains in a critical and unresponsive condition.
Following investigations, police arrested Gilbert after he was identified through CCTV footage obtained from the area. He was subsequently taken into custody and charged as investigations continue.
In court, Gilbert denied involvement in the alleged offence, telling the magistrate, “I did not rob anybody.”
However, the prosecution objected to bail, citing the seriousness and violent nature of the allegations, the preservation of public order, and concerns for the safety of the virtual complainant. Prosecutors also pointed to the victim’s critical condition, noting that the charge may be subject to review depending on the outcome of his medical status.
Magistrate Azore upheld the prosecution’s objection and refused bail. Gilbert was remanded to prison and the case will continue on May 13.