Jermaine Abel, the North Ruimveldt man accused of fatally stabbing a peacemaker who attempted to stop a fight in his neighbourhood last November, was yesterday committed to stand trial.
The charge against Abel stated that he, on November 8, 2017, at Christiani Street, North Ruimveldt, murdered Hafeez Douglas.
Douglas, called ‘Gargon,’ of Lot 2981 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, sustained a single stab wound to his chest and died on the spot after the altercation.
When the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was called before presiding Magistrate Judy Latchman, closing arguments were made by the defendant’s attorney, Stanley Moore, and Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves.
Subsequently, Magistrate Latchman told the accused that a prima facie case was made out against him for the offence and asked if he wished to say anything in relation to the charge. In response, Abel stated that he is innocent of the charge of murder.
It was at this time that the mother of the accused began to cry, causing her son to comfort her with the words, “Everything will be alright mom…” despite the tears that flowed down his face.
The defendant was then told that the court was of the opinion that there is sufficient evidence to have him stand trial for the offence of murder at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes.
Abel will remain on remand until that time.
After the court session, a weeping Abel could be heard, in desperate tone saying, “Pray mommy, pray”, as his mother and other family members wept.
