Twenty-seven-year-old Joseph Williams, called “Joey,” was yesterday remanded to prison after being charged with murdering Victor Da Silva, who was shot dead during Monday’s $8M armed robbery on Water Street.
The charge against Williams, of 59 Gordon Street, Kitty, is that on July 8, at Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown, he murdered Da Silva in the furtherance of a robbery; in that he stole $8 million, which was property of gas station owner Cecil Gajadhar.
He was informed by Magistrate Fabayo Azore, before whom he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, that he would not be required to enter a plea to the capital offence. She also explained to him that he would not be admitted to bail on the offence for which he is charged.
The father of three, who stood handcuffed in the prisoners’ docks, appeared expressionless as the charge was read to him.
Williams, who was not represented by an attorney, gave his occupation as a taxi driver when the court enquired.
He did not say anything, nor did he ask to say anything when his matter was called.
The prosecution presented no facts; neither did the court request any.
However, Inspector Burgette Grant indicated to the court when asked that police investigations are still incomplete and requested a two-week adjournment.
The magistrate did not acquiesce to the request and the matter will be called again on July 18 before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at Court One, before whom the case has been transferred for reports.
Da Silva was shot dead while his best friend Gajadhar sustained a gunshot wound to the side of his face when they were ambushed by gunmen near a koker at the corner of High and Cowan streets. At the time, the men, both 72-years-old, were heading to a Water Street bank to transact business. A bag containing $8 million was stolen.
Gajadhar, who owns a gas station at Foulis, East Coast Demerara had recounted from his hospital bed that as he was driving towards the koker, he noticed a light brown car in front of him with the number plate PNN 28 which caught his attention.
The man who had been robbed on four occasions said that the car was driving slowly and the number 28 was printed in very small figures. As he turned behind the vehicle, the car stopped and blocked his path. Gunshots then rang out.
Gajadhar told this newspaper that when he looked over at Da Silva his eyes were closed.
After the attack, he backed up his car and drove bloodied to the bank, thinking that he still had his money inside the vehicle but it was missing when he arrived there.
