Trial pending for labourer accused of killing mason

The trial of a 25-year-old labourer who is accused of fatally stabbing Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) labourer Leonard Peters is set to begin on August 4. Before Justice Sandil Kisson and a jury, Michael Emanuel was on Monday indicted for the December 21, 2018 murder of Leonard Peters.

The murder accused appeared at the Demerara High Court from prison via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He is being represented by lawyer Damien Da Silva, while State Counsel Lisa Cave and State Counsel Muntaz Ali are presenting the case for the prosecution.
Based on reports, Peters was lashed to his head and stabbed to his chest during a fight at a social event. He died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
It was reported that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between Peters and Emanuel’s 19-year-old brother while they were at a party. Whilst at the event, Peters accidentally spilled alcohol on the teenager and they ended up in a scuffle. The teen then went home and complained to his mother.

Peters is alleged to have run in the yard and attacked the teenager when Emanuel intervened.
According to the reports, he armed himself with a piece of wood which he used to attack the brothers. Emanuel, however, managed to disarm Peters and allegedly dealt him a blow to his head.
During the scuffle, Peters was also stabbed. (G1)