Luck was on the side of 24-year-old Stephney Lawrie, known as “Stacy”, of Lot 2 Better Success, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), when she was granted bail for allegedly killing her brother during an argument. She made her first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Tuesday, at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.
Stephney Lawrie
Dressed in a blue top and blue jeans, the accused appeared saddened while standing in the dock. She was not required to plea to the indictable charge of manslaughter.
The Police allege that on August 25, at Lot 2 Better Success, Stephney Lawrie unlawfully killed her brother, Maxton Orlando Lawrie.
During the bail application, her Attorney Latchmin Dindyal, told the court that the accused is a single mother of a five-year-old and is not a flight risk. He told the court that his client never had any brushes with the law. He also informed the court that Stephney Lawrie was hospitalised for the injuries she received during the ordeal, and that she is presently receiving treatment at the Suddie Public Hospital. There were visible black and blue marks on the accused right arm.
Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack had no objections to bail, but requested for conditions to be attached if bail was granted.
In responding, Magistrate Sunil Scarce reminded that the allegation against Lawrie was a serious one. He however granted bail in the sum of $400,000, taking into consideration the nature of the incident.
Additionally, Lawrie is required to surrender her passport and report to the Sergeant at the Charity Police Station every Wednesday and Saturday.
Relatives and friends of the Lawrie family were present in court. The accused is expected to return to court in September.
The entire Better Success village was thrown into deep mourning after the news of the incident surfaced. Prior to the accused’s appearance in court, she had confessed to Police to stabbing her brother in self defence. It is alleged that on August 24, 2016, the deceased went home under the influence of alcohol and started an argument with family members.
During the argument, he cuffed his father to his right eye and then proceeded to his sister’s room armed with a knife. When the defendant opened the door, her brother started to verbally abuse her. He then tried to harm her with the knife, and it was at this point that she reportedly stabbed him. He succumbed while on his way to the Suddie Public Hospital.
The autopsy conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Bridgemohan revealed that the victim died as a result of shock and haemorrhage due to the stab wound.
