Arguments heard in appeal for death row inmate, Burt Lancaster

Nov 02, 2018 News

Arguments were presented yesterday by Attorneys-at-Law for the State and death row inmate Burt Lancaster, who was convicted six years ago for the April 2006, murder of taxi driver Deonarine Sookdeo by Justice Dawn Gregory.
According to reports, Sookdeo died between April 19 and 26, 2006. It is reported that Lancaster, called ‘Moses’ and his co-worker Daywan Kawal called ‘Avinash’ left work around midday on April 19, 2006 and went to Diamond, East Bank Demerara where
they hired a taxi to go to Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.
While on their way, the driver of the vehicle Deonarine Sookdeo, stopped at a gas station. It was then that workmates allegedly decided to rob the taxi driver.
They reportedly asked the driver to take them up a trail in Kuru Kuru. Once on the trail, they reportedly used a weapon to inflict injuries on Deonarine Sukhdeo.
His badly decomposed body was found in the area. The car was found stripped of its valuable parts.
Kawal was charged along with Lancaster with the murder. Kawal was however offered a plea bargain and testified against Lancaster on behalf of the State. Kawal pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and received a seven year sentence in exchange for his testimony.
Two other men were initially charged with the murder and were acquitted by the jury.
Presenting arguments for the State was Prosecutor Teshanna Lake, while Attorney-at-Law Lawrence Harris appeared for Lancaster. The arguments were heard by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George and Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud.
The Chancellor indicated that notices of the court’s ruling will be sent to the parties.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News