Sophia man gets 14 years in jail for killing handyman

A 33-year-old mason and father of three, Randy Willings, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for the February 2021 stabbing death of Kevin Smith, a handyman from Sophia, Greater Georgetown.
The sentencing took place at the Demerara High Court on Thursday, where Justice Jo-Ann Barlow delivered the ruling. Willings’ sentence will be reduced by the time he spent on remand since February 15, 2021.
Initially charged with murder, Willings was found guilty of the lesser offense of manslaughter on October 15, after a trial before a mixed 12-member jury. The jury returned a unanimous verdict following deliberations on the evidence presented.
The fatal incident occurred on February 8, 2021, during an argument between Willings and 36-year-old Smith at Smith’s home along the ‘C’ Field Reserve Dam, Sophia. Armed with a knife, Willings inflicted three stab wounds on Smith to his chest, abdomen, and above his left knee before fleeing the scene. Smith succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
State Counsel Mikel Puran prosecuted the case, while Attorney Kiswana Jefford represented the defense. During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the gravity of the altercation that escalated into a fatal stabbing.
Willings was apprehended shortly after the incident and was committed to stand trial in the High Court following a preliminary inquiry before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. His sentencing brings an end to the lengthy legal proceedings surrounding the case.
Justice Barlow emphasized the seriousness of the crime during sentencing but acknowledged mitigating factors, including Willings’ time already served and other considerations presented by the defense. (G8)