Corentyne man convicted for fatal ‘rum shop’ stabbing of friend

Mar 17, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – A 12-member jury on Monday returned a unanimous guilty verdict for Andrew Seegobin for the 2023 murder of his friend, Ramanand Mingo, following a trial at the Berbice High Court.

Seegobin, a 33-year-old construction worker of John’s Village, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was convicted after two hours of deliberation by the jury. The trial began on March 9.

Corentyne man convicted for fatal ‘rum shop’ stabbing of friend

Convicted for murder: Andrew Seegobin

The case was heard before Justice Deborah Kumar, who scheduled April 17, 2026, for sentencing.

Seegobin, also known as “Deportee,” was accused of murdering 29-year-old Mingo during a confrontation at a liquor store in John’s Village, Port Mourant, on November 19, 2023.

According to evidence presented in court, a physical altercation erupted between Seegobin and Mingo, along with his brother. During the confrontation, Mingo received a stab wound and was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Defence attorney Surihya Sabsook argued that Seegobin had acted in self-defence, claiming he was attacked by the brothers. Liquor store owner Parbattie Rangasammy testified that the two brothers appeared hostile toward Seegobin.

However, the prosecution, led by State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards, called 15 witnesses in building its case.

As the verdict was announced, Mingo’s mother, Lilowtie Ramsammy, who sobbed throughout parts of the hearing, said she was relieved that justice was served, but remained deeply pained by the loss of her son.

Ramanand Mingo (deceased)

“I feel very, very hurt for my son. We have justice, but I’m not satisfied yet. They kill meh son and throw him like a dog on the road and leave he there. Me nah have bank account, me nah have wealth. My three children them is my wealth. Ramanand Mingo was my baby. It really hurt me,” she said outside the court.

Dianand Mingo, brother, and Lilowtie Ramsammy, mother of Ramanand Mingo

Ramsammy, of Clifton Settlement, Corentyne, had testified last week that her son and Seegobin were close friends and that she was unaware of any conflict between them.

Dianand Mingo, the brother of the deceased, also testified, telling the court that he witnessed Seegobin stab his brother. He rejected claims that Ramanand was the aggressor.

The defence, however, referred to video footage presented in court which reportedly showed Seegobin being attacked.

In his statement, Seegobin maintained that the brothers were the aggressors and that he attempted to escape. He said that during the encounter, Ramanand allegedly advanced toward him with a knife. Seegobin claimed he pushed him away while trying to flee, causing Mingo to fall back onto a bench. He stated that he was unsure what occurred afterward.

The following day, Seegobin turned himself in to the police accompanied by his then attorney, Mursaline Bacchus.

Key testimony for the prosecution came from Government Pathologist, Dr. Vivekanand Bridgemohan, who conducted the autopsy on November 23, 2023, at Bailey’s Funeral Parlour on the West Coast of Berbice.

The doctor concluded that Mingo died from shock and haemorrhage caused by a stab wound to the heart. He described the injury as a 3cm by 1cm oval-shaped “clean” wound inflicted by a sharp instrument.

When questioned by the defence about the possibility of the fatal wound being accidental, Dr. Bridgemohan acknowledged that while it was not impossible, the characteristics of the wound and the force involved suggested otherwise.

Following the conviction, Seegobin maintained his innocence and indicated that he intends to appeal the verdict.

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