At the trial of Curt Thomas for the murder of Parika fuel dealer Seeram Singh, the court yesterday heard that clothing belonging to the accused as well as his hand had been tested positive for gun-shot residue (GSR).
This was according to the testimony of Government Analyst and expert in trace evidence, Senior Superintendent Phillip Azore.
Singh was shot and killed during a robbery on the night of Saturday April 30th, 2016 at Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo.
Thomas has been indicted for the capital offence before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury at the High Court in George-town. He has denied the charge.
In his testimony yesterday, Azore told the court that he found chemicals consistent with gun-shot/gun-powder residue on a black jersey and samples collected from a right hand which were items submitted to him for testing.
On Tuesday, Inspector Lallbachand Dial and Police Corporal Krishnadat Singh had testified to having handed over to Azore several items containing samples for GSR testing.
Dial had spoken of swabbing the hands and nostrils of the accused for gunpowder residue and thereafter placing the samples to air-dry before handing it over to the analyst for testing.
Meanwhile, in his testimony, Corporal Singh had told the court that he had escorted Thomas to his home from where he said he retrieved several pieces of clothing which he (Thomas) identified he wore on the day in question and the following day.
The trial will continue next Monday at 9am when the prosecution is likely to close its case.
Thomas is being represented by attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, while the state’s case is being presented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.
