A miner was yesterday charged with murdering his drinking companion during a fight at a Port Kaituma bar.
Oarl Benjamin, a 24-year-old miner from Port Kaituma, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday when he was charged with the indictable charge.
It is alleged that between February 23rd and February 24th, at 14 Miles, North West District, Benjamin murdered Joseph Calistro. Benjamin was not required to plead to the indictable charge and the matter was adjourned until March 12th.
According to police, Benjamin and Calistro were drinking when the latter reportedly became intoxicated and tried to start a fight. The police said that Benjamin tried to avoid Calistro by walking away. However, Calistro, who was armed with a pair of scissors, pursued Benjamin and assaulted him. Benjamin reportedly became annoyed, disarmed Calistro and wounded him with the scissors.
Calistro was subsequently taken for treatment at the Arakaka Health Centre around 1 am, about an hour after the incident occurred. Calistro was reportedly treated and sent away. However, he returned to the facility hours later with a breathing problem and was receiving oxygen when he succumbed. The deceased man suffered wounds to the middle of his chest and right arm.
