Berbice contractor accused of killing brother-in-law denied bail

Jun 05, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – Magistrate Michelle Matthias on Thursday struck down a bail application by counsel for the 22-year-old man who reportedly killed his brother-in-law in Berbice nearly three weeks ago.

Frank McCallister, a contractor of Heatburn Village, East Bank Berbice, was charged with manslaughter on 15^th May,2026, when he appeared at the Albion Magistrates’ Court. The matter was since transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court.

Berbice contractor accused of killing brother-in-law denied bail

Frank McCallister, accused of murdering his brother-in-law.

McCallister is accused of stabbing 42-year-old Oswain Lawson, a taxi driver, of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, on 12^th May, 2026.

Lawson, a father of two, was reportedly partying with associates at a popular hangout spot located at Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice on the evening of May 11, 2026. The following day, police in Region Six in a statement said he died after his vehicle crashed into a roadside stall in Edinburugh Village and toppled into a nearby canal.

However, his body bore several gapping wounds which carried impressions of a sharp object, and rendered the police report as conflicting. Police subsequently confirmed that Lawson was murdered and, McCallister was arrested.

An autopsy performed on Lawson’s body showed that he died from multiple stab wounds and lung failure.

Meanwhile, when the matter was called on Thursday, the prosecution informed Magistrate Matthias that its file is complete, and sought a two-week period within which to ready statements. The prosecution also objected to bail, pointing to the prevalence and seriousness of the offence and the weapon used.

However, Chandra Sohan, McCallister’s attorney, sought bail for his client arguing that he was charged with a bailable offence. Sohan urged that the magistrate takes into account McCallister’s clean record.

“As far as the offence is concerned as it relates to this accused, there is nothing which says that he has a history, or had bad behaviour or anything of the sort. He will attend court. He is barely 22 years of age. Prison is not a place for these persons to be in,” the attorney emphasized.

Sohan assured that McCallister’s mother, who was at court, stands ready to ensure that he complies with all court mandates.

The attorney told the court that Lawson attacked his girlfriend, who is the McAlister’s sister, with a knife in the accused presence. The knife fell and Lawson then reached for a cutlass to attack McCallister’s sister. McCallister retrieved the knife which was used against Lawson who, according to the attorney, also tried to attack McCallister.

In Sohan’s extensive appeal, he stated that the prosecution presented no cogent reason why his client should not be given bail.

After noting the defence’s positions, Magistrate Matthias stated that the offense is indictable, for which, if found guilty of, carries a stiff penalty.

After summing up her points, she refused bail and set June 15, 2026 as McCallister’s next court appearance.

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accused, Berbice, Frank McCallister, murder, Oswain Lawson

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