The main trial of the three men accused of murdering 12 persons at Bartica in 2008, is expected to resume this afternoon, after a voir dire which was being conducted, ended yesterday.
The charge against Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams, called ‘Anaconda’, and Roger Simon, is that on February 17, 2008 at Bartica; they murdered Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh. Justice Roxane George, who is presiding over the case, will this afternoon rule on legal submissions made by both the defence and prosecution.
Thereafter, the main trial is expected to recommence. The jointly-charged trio has pleaded not guilty to the capital indictments.
The State’s case is that on the night in question, the three accused, in the company of others, reigned terror at Bartica. Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar had said that the men launched a murderous attack on the community and the police station at Bartica, with wanton disregard for human life, which left three police officers dead.
The State’s case is being presented by Kaulesar in association with Prosecutor Stacy Goodings. Meanwhile, defence attorneys Peter Hugh, Saphier Hussain, and Roger Yearwood are representing Simon, Dennis Williams and Mark Williams, respectively.
The trial, which is being heard by Justice George and a 12-member jury, will recommence at 1.30 pm today at the High Court in Georgetown.
The attack on the Bartica community came amidst heightened security across the country, following the slaughter of 11 people at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara three weeks earlier.
