Police Corporal Sherwin Smith who is charged with the September 15 murder of Counsellor Ralph Turpin reappeared on Monday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the commencement of the preliminary inquiry (PI). The PI is being heard by Magistrate Sueann Lovell.
Police Corporal Shondell Williams took the witness stand and gave her evidence. According to the prosecution, another 19 witnesses are expected to give evidence in this matter.
The 28-year-old policeman of Lot 292 `B’ Field Sophia, was represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos in association with attorney-at-law Glenn Honoman who cross-examined Williams after she completed giving her evidence.
It is alleged that on September 15 Corporal Smith murdered Turpin. The incident occurred at a Stabroek Market food stand around 3.30am. The accused was not required to plead to the capital offence of murder.
Police reported that Turpin of Lot 25 Agriculture Road, Triumph, East Coast Demerara, was shot in the head at Cornhill Street, Stabroek where he had gone to buy food. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Hospital. A post-mortem examination later revealed that he sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.
The murder accused was further remanded to prison until the matter is called again on January 3.
