Murder suspect of Brazilian miner remanded

Nov 26, 2013 News

The case of a robbery which escalated into the murder of a Brazilian miner was yesterday called before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Robert Paul, Brazilian miner’s murder suspect

When 37-year-old Robert Paul appeared before Magistrate Latchman, he was told that he was charged with murder and would not be required to plead to the indictable offence.
On November 20, the accused allegedly attacked and robbed Brazilian Miner Venderleir Kienen of $17M cash at 111 Miles, Mahdia. Kienen reportedly died as a result of the attack.
Police Prosecutor Lance Corporal Renetta Bentham, in open court stated that the deceased was a business owner who conducted money transfers and also sold and purchased gold.
According to Prosecutor Bentham, at about 18:45 on the date in question, Paul and two other men went into the businessman’s home, and were confronted by him. The court heard that the men then attacked and dealt Kienen several stabs about his body. She said that Kienen was then rushed to the hospital where he died shortly after.
The two accomplices allegedly carted off the cash through the back door of the premises, while the accused escaped through the front door.
The Prosecution stated that the matter was reported and the accused was subsequently arrested and charged.
Representing the accused was Attorney at Law James Bond who told the court that his client resides at Stone Creek, Mahdia and is a miner in Region One, who operates his own business entity.
The lawyer stated that his client was threatened to give a caution statement, since according to him Paul was told “he will be shot and killed if he did not sign.”
Bond disputed that his client is a flight risk and said that Paul was seen many times by the police after the miner met his demise.
Magistrate Latchman however, denied the lawyer’s bail application and the defendant was remanded to prison. He is set to make his next court appearance today in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.