There is nothing to indicate that there is a link between Rondell Williams’s murder and the criminal charges for which he had previously appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.
Williams, of Lot 87 La Penitence Street, Albouystown Georgetown was going about his usual early morning routine on Sunday when he was gunned down by an unknown person. Residents later reported seeing a man fleeing along Independence Boulevard. The unidentified man dropped his hat and was reportedly carrying an umbrella in his hand as he ran.
Police are yet to apprehend anyone.
Speaking to Stabroek News late yesterday afternoon Crime Chief Seelal Persaud said that police are investigating the matter but there have been no developments. Persaud confirmed that Williams had been before the court previously charged with robbery under arms and rape.
“Yes I am aware that he was before the court on charges,” the Crime Chief said, “but there is nothing to indicate that there may be a link between his death and those court matters.”
Williams, according to a police press statement on Sunday, was reportedly outside his home when his reputed wife heard two loud explosions. The man was found with suspected gunshot wounds to his chest and left forearm, police said, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
On November 30, 2007 Williams appeared before Magistrate Hazel Octive-Hamilton charged with robbery under arms. It was alleged that he robbed businessman Chatterpaul Gobin of over $1.3 million while being armed with a gun. Further, on April 13, 2005 he was charged with robbery under arms and rape; offences which he allegedly committed during 2004.
Williams had also allegedly used a gun to rob a businessman of close to half million dollars worth of items. He was also accused of having carnal knowledge of a 17-year-old female without her consent.
When this newspaper visited the deceased’s reputed wife Jenell Caesar yesterday she refused to comment about the court matters. Caesar did not confirm whether or not the charges against Williams had been dismissed and insisted that she didn’t think the media should linger over “old things”.
Stabroek News learnt from the woman on Sunday that Williams got up some time before 4 am and left to get cigarettes at a shop. Shortly after she heard two gun shots and rushed to the front window and peered outside where she saw Williams laying in front of the gate. Caesar started screaming. All the man’s relatives who spoke to Stabroek News on Sunday indicated that they only heard two gunshots.
Asked if they thought it strange that they heard only two when Williams was reportedly shot four times, relatives were at a loss for an explanation. Residents around the area refused to comment when approached.
Although relatives are clueless about why someone would want to kill Williams, they believe that the man’s murder was premeditated. The shooter, they said, must have been standing somewhere along the street watching Williams and launched his attack at the right moment.