Venezuelan national takes full responsibility for deadly gas station bombing

– claims others charged played no role in attack

– court to consult DPP before proceeding

Proceedings in the high-profile gas station bombing case took an unexpected twist on Monday when Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, the prime suspect in the deadly gas station bombing back in October 2025 told the court that he is prepared to accept full responsibility for the attack, while insisting that others charged in the matter had no involvement.

The development unfolded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, just as paper committal proceedings were set to begin before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
A paper committal is a criminal procedure where a magistrate determines if there is sufficient evidence to send an accused person to trial based solely on written witness statements and documents, rather than oral testimony. It replaces traditional preliminary inquiries to save time, reduce case backlogs, and decrease the burden on witnesses.
The accused, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, a Venezuelan national, is jointly charged with Alexander Bettencourt, Johnny Boodram, and Krystal LaCruz before the Georgetown court. Meanwhile, Wayne Corriea, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez are facing related charges at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.
During the hearing, defence attorney Shellon Boyce told the court that her client had made significant disclosures during recent consultations. This prompted the magistrate to directly question the accused on whether he intended to cooperate with the court.
Through an interpreter, Poedemo indicated that he was willing to admit to the offence and stated that none of the other individuals charged in connection with the matter played any role in the incident. According to the interpretation presented in court, he claimed he acted alone after receiving materials from an unidentified individual, which he then used to carry out the act.
He further expressed a desire for the matter to be concluded swiftly, noting that several of the persons currently before the court are innocent and should not remain implicated. In light of the new claims, Magistrate McGusty indicated that the prosecutor would have to consult with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the matter could proceed.
Prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court he would require a formal proposal from Boyce to present to the DPP’s chambers, noting that the process could take approximately two weeks. As such, Magistrate McGusty adjourned the matter to April 20 for a report.
The case stems from the October 2025 explosion at the Mobil Service Station, which resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne. The incident, which shocked the nation, reportedly involved an explosive device being placed at the location before detonating.
Investigators had previously relied on surveillance footage that allegedly showed the accused at the scene placing the device and leaving shortly before the explosion. Despite months of investigation, a clear motive for the attack has not yet been established.