Aaron Hing and Staymon George, the two prime suspects in the murder of British teen Dominic Bernard, were yesterday each arraigned in a city court for his murder.
Hing, 22, and George, 23, were charged around 4.30pm yesterday before Magistrate Judy Latchman.
The charge against Hing stated that on October 14, at Kildonan, Corentyne, he along with George, also known as “Sherwin” or “Stayie,” murdered Bernard.
The charge against George read that on October 14, at Kildonan, Corentyne, he along with Hing, also known as “Neutral,” murdered Bernard.
The accused were not required to plead to their respective charges. Hing and George will return to court today, when they are set to make an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
Attorney Nigel Hughes, who appeared for both men, expressed concerns that they are being hampered from receiving a fair trial as there has been a selective release of information by those in charge, threatening the image of the defendants and creating one that is “highly prejudiced.”
Hughes asked that there be a full disclosure of all statements the prosecution intends to rely on in the prosecution of their case, as well as for the defence to have access to the scientific data the prosecution intend to rely on for the purpose of identifying the deceased. This, he said, is for the purpose of having an independent examination conducted by an independent laboratory.
A decomposing body, suspected to be that of Bernard, was unearthed last Friday in the backlands of Nurney Village, which neighbours Kildonan. DNA testing is to be done to determine that the body is that of Bernard.
Hughes also stated that the defence was questioning the purpose for the manner in which certain critical information has been specifically selected, to the omission of others, to appear in the press. He urged that those persons responsible for the relaying of such information desist in order to allow the administration of justice to take place.
Bernard, 18, came to Guyana last October to stay with his god brother, Hing. His family has said he travelled here to pursue his dream of studying film-making. However, following his arrival, there was no word from him.
Hing and George were arrested last Friday and Saturday, respectively, after wanted bulletins were issued by authorities.
The men, while in police custody, allegedly admitted to murdering Bernard, bludgeoning him to death and burying his body in a shallow grave just a few hours after his arrival in the country.
Three others, including two women, remain in custody and are to be charged for the crime today. They include the woman who tried to help George flee after the wanted bulletin was issued, a friend of Hing who allegedly helped to dig the grave where the body was found and one other. They were all held within a day of the discovery of the decomposing body.
