Berbice man sentenced to 22 years for killing girlfriend

Nov 14, 2025 News

(Kaieteur News) – Twenty-nine-year old Jamal Angus was on Thursday sentenced to 22 years in prison by Justice Sandil Kissoon for the April 16, 2020 murder of his then 21- year-old girlfriend, Vanessa Benjamin.

Angus had attempted to take his life after committing the gruesome act on the mother of two.

The accused, of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice, was remanded to prison back in 2020, when the matter was brought up at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder.

Williams was reportedly stabbed 17 times by Angus, who was angry that the woman had ended their common-law relationship.

Reports confirmed that on the day of the crime, Angus had visited Williams while she was at the home of her mother at Itacha Village, West Coast Berbice.

Angus’ efforts to reconcile the four-year relationship with the woman were unsuccessful. As a result, the laborer drew a knife and dealt her the fatal blows, while inflicting wounds on her 56-year-old mother, who managed to survive the attempt on her life.

Williams was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Autopsy reports revealed that Williams suffered a punctured heart and lungs from the stab wounds she received.

At the commencement of his trial, Angus pleaded not guilty.

Angus also fathered one of the two children with the woman while they were together.

The probation report heard by the court stated that Angus had been a habitual abuser.

Handing down the sentence, Justice Kissoon noted the “raging epidemic of domestic violence,” and the fact that the community is left to bear the suffering long after the deceased is gone.

He also noted the extreme acts of violence meted out without mercy. This was enforced by the fact that Williams was given 17 incise wounds.

The third aggravating factor noted by Justice Kissoon, was that the act was premeditated and deliberate. He explained that Angus unlawfully entered the home of the victim’s mother, concealed and armed himself with a knife then carried out the act.

Another factor cited was the prevalence of crimes of this nature, and the alarming rate at which such has escalated “to the state of a crisis.”

The nature and seriousness of the crime was compounded by the history of domestic violence as confirmed by the victim’s mother. Justice Kissoon also highlighted the effect and impact of the crime on the grieving family, particularly the children who have been deprived of their mother.

The judge also noted the vulnerability of the victim, pointing out that she was helpless and unarmed.

The state’s case was represented by attorney Cecilia Corbin.

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Jamal Angus, killing, sentenced, Vanessa Benjamin, victim

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Berbice man sentenced to 22 years for killing girlfriend

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