A Cuyuni miner was yesterday charged with the murder of Compton Benjamin, the D’Urban St man who was stabbed to death last week at Black Water Backdam.
Emeric Joseph, 26, of Rupertee, Essequibo, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was read the charge by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.
It is alleged that on February 26, at Lime Tree Road, Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, he murdered Benjamin. Joseph was not required to plead to the charge.
The court heard that Benjamin and Joseph worked at the same mining operation. The prosecutor said that on the day of the murder, the two men had been at the camp when Joseph asked Benjamin for a gold chain, which he claimed Joseph took from him. The two men got into an argument and Benjamin allegedly picked up a piece of wood and dealt Joseph a blow to one of his arms. Joseph then armed himself with a knife, according to the prosecutor, and stabbed Benjamin to the left side of his chest. As a result, Benjamin died.
The prosecutor added that Joseph was arrested by the police and gave a caution statement in which he admitted to the offence.
Joseph was also injured, the prosecutor noted, and he was taken to the Bartica Hospital, where he was treated.
After listening to the prosecutor, the Chief Magistrate transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where it will be called on March 12.
