Murder accused freed

Mar 27, 2019 News

High Court Judge Navindra Singh directed a jury to return a not guilty verdict after ruling that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence against 23-year-old Kevin Garraway, who had been

DEAD: Orette West

accused of murdering Orette West, formerly of Tucville, Georgetown.

Garraway, formerly of Calendar Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was indicted for the capital offence, murder. The killing occurred at a popular liming spot in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara.
According to information, on the day in question, Garraway and West’s girlfriend had a misunderstanding during which the woman walked up to Garraway and enquired of him if he “wanted a problem.”
There was an alleged confrontation and West, then 28, of Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, walked up to Garraway and pushed him away. A scuffle reportedly ensued between the men, and it was alleged that Garraway knifed West about the body, causing him to fall to the ground. The injured man was later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A post mortem revealed that West died of shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds to his neck. It was reported that Garraway fled after the committing the crime, and was held some three months later by detectives of Police ‘A’ Division at a house in Albouystown, Georgetown.

FREED: Kevin Garraway

Upon his arraignment before the Judge and a 12-member jury, Garraway, who was accompanied by his Attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay, pleaded not guilty. Thereafter, his trial commenced, during which State Prosecutors called six witnesses. These included the father, sister and brother of the deceased along with a few police ranks.
After considering the evidence led by the prosecution, Justice Singh told the court that based on a caution statement given to police by Garraway, it was clear he acted in self defence—a form of defence provided for under the laws of Guyana.
As such, the Judge held that the prosecution failed to prove its case against Garraway and directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict. Before informing Garraway that he was free to go, Justice Singh urged him to see this as a second chance at life and to “stay clear from similar situations.”
Relatives and friends of Garraway, who had spent almost three years on remand, rejoiced when the handcuffs and foot shackles were removed from him. He was greeted by hugs and kisses.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News