21-year-old charged for Makouria shallow grave murder

May 13, 2008 News

Shawn Ransom, a 21-year-old chain saw operator of Christianburg, Linden, was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of Robert Griffith, whose partly decomposed body was found in a shallow grave at Makouria.

The accused appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the capital charge was read to him by Principal Magistrate Melissa Robertson-Ogle.

It is alleged that, some time between Tuesday, April 29 and Monday, May 5, at Makouria, he murdered Robert Griffith. The body was discovered in a shallow grave on May 5. The charge is indictable and the accused was not required to plea.

The accused was represented by defense lawyer Patrice Henry, who says that he is seeking an early date for his client.

Henry told the court that his client, during the period stipulated by the prosecution, was some five miles away from where the murder occurred, and that there are people who can attest to that.

He further told the court that the only evidence the court has against his client is a confession statement, which was given after he was severely beaten by Police ranks.

The lawyer also brought to the attention of the court that the accused, along with several other persons, was detained after Police found Griffith’s body, but only his client was charged.

However, Police Prosecutor Denise Griffith told the court that she had information to the contrary. She pointed out that there are several other factors apart from the confession statement that led the Police to institute the charge.

Principal Magistrate Robertson-Ogle transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for June 11.
Throughout the court hearing the accused remained handcuffed, a situation that reminded the court of another murder accused who attacked the magistrate.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News