Youth to spend 5 years in jail for killing DJ Viper

Dec 18, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – A 23-year-old man is set to serve only five years’ imprisonment for the 2023 killing of father of two and popular local disc jockey Brian Pitam, known as “DJ Viper.”

A starting point sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment was cut to five on Wednesday when Acting Chief Justice, Navindra Singh delivered his ruling at the Demerara High Court.  Dwayne Thomas, of Laluni Village along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, pleaded guilty in October to the manslaughter of 28-year-old Pitam, whose death occurred outside a family birthday celebration on January 8, 2023. Pitam was chopped several times during the incident. Thomas was initially indicted for murder but later pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he appeared before Justice Singh.

During sentencing, Justice Singh imposed an initial sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. However, after considering mitigating factors, the judge reduced the sentence to five years, inclusive of the time Thomas had already spent on remand.

Thomas’s attorney, Madan Kissoon, urged the court to depart from the maximum sentence, outlining several mitigating factors. Kissoon noted that his client cooperated fully with investigators, accepted responsibility for his actions, turned himself in to the police, and pleaded guilty at an early stage. He further highlighted Thomas’s conduct while on remand, describing him as well-behaved, respectful among his peers, and willing to learn a trade. “He maintained good behaviour, showing that he is ready to be reintegrated into society,” Kissoon told the court.

Counsel also asked the court to consider Thomas’s age, noting that he was just 19 years old at the time of the incident. He emphasised that Thomas was a first-time offender with no prior convictions or previous encounters with the law. Kissoon further stated that his client had been “provoked and mistreated” prior to the fatal altercation, while nevertheless extending an apology to Pitam’s family.

Prosecutors, however, stressed the brutal and tragic nature of Pitam’s death and its devastating impact on his family. They told the court that Pitam was attempting to defend his father-in-law when he was attacked, leaving behind two children—a one-year-old and an eight-month-old. The prosecution underscored the emotional toll on the family and argued that no mercy was shown during the attack. “He was attacked with a piece of wood and died as a result of multiple incised wounds. These are the factors the State asks the court to consider,” the prosecutors submitted.

Members of Pitam’s family also addressed the court through statements. His mother, Tracy Douglas, said in part, “I love my son. I bore his death every day. My life changed so much since the day my son died. He left behind two children who will never get to know their dad. Our family is broken apart.” His father, John Pitam, shared, “I am constantly seeing things that remind me of him. My son was not a bad person. I am now the one supporting my grandchildren.” Pitam’s wife, Yazeeda Bacchus, added, “I would like justice to be served. My children are still grappling with the reality of not having a father.” When given the opportunity to speak, Thomas, visibly emotional and holding a testimonial Bible, turned to the family and said, “ From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry for what I did. Please forgive me,” he said.

Before delivering his final sentence, Justice Singh questioned Thomas about his version of events. Thomas told the court that during the celebration he was slapped by Pitam’s father-in-law. He said he then left the party and went onto the road, but was later followed by the father-in-law and Pitam. An altercation ensued between Thomas and the father-in-law, during which Pitam intervened and was attacked instead. In handing down his ruling, Justice Singh remarked, “It’s wrong what happened, but you can’t pretend how it started… The one who suffers the most isn’t always the one in the right.” He questioned why the father-in-law returned to the road following the initial confrontation and noted that Thomas should have gone to the police after being slapped. The judge described the incident as one involving youths, stating, “We are dealing with young boys,” and concluded that Thomas was “genuinely remorseful” and under the influence at the time. “He has displayed very favourable conduct,” Justice Singh added.

In determining the final sentence, Justice Singh applied several deductions: six and two-thirds years for the guilty plea, four years for favourable probation, two and one-third years for demonstrated remorse, and a further two years, citing Pitam’s involvement in what he described as a “senseless altercation.” As a result of these reductions, Thomas was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, inclusive of the two years already spent on remand.

Following the sentencing, the deceased’s family told Kaieteur News that they were dissatisfied but accepted the court’s ruling. “We are not comfortable with it, but that is the law,” Pitam’s father said.

The prosecution team included State Counsel Simran Gajraj, State Counsel Christopher Belfield, and State Counsel Geneva Wills. According to police reports, the incident occurred while Pitam, a former Kaieteur Radio employee, was attending a birthday party at a family member’s home in Laluni along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The Guyana Police Force stated that Pitam of Lot 441 Goed Hope, East Coast Demerara, was at the gathering with his 51-year-old father-in-law when an altercation erupted around 21:00 hrs.

Police reported that Pitam was drinking at a nearby shop when three men confronted and assaulted his father-in-law. Pitam intervened and was chopped multiple times before the attackers escaped on motorcycles. His left thumb, index finger, middle finger, and wrist were reportedly severed, and he sustained a deep chop wound to the back of his neck. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by public-spirited citizens but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Thomas was the only individual arrested and charged in connection with the offence.

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• Brian Pitam, DJ Viper, killing, manslaughter

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