Cordel Grimes, a labourer who had claimed that his friend was fatally shot when they both came under gunfire at Aurora Village, Essequibo Coast at the end of September, was on Monday charged with the murder.
Grimes, 25, of Lot 30 Adventure Village, Essequibo Coast, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Charity Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him.
He is accused of murdering Reeaz Khan, also 25 and a labourer, of Pomona Village, who was fatally shot on September 29th. Khan succumbed on October 5th, almost a week later. He had been shot in the face.
While Grimes had claimed that both he and Khan were shot by an unknown person or persons, police say that during questioning they found that he was responsible for the shooting. He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison until January 7th, 2021, when he will appear at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court for disclosure.
Stabroek News had previously reported that Grimes and Khan were both shot at Aurora Village, Essequibo Coast.
It was reported that Khan was shot in his face while Grimes sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm. The police had said then that the friends travelled to a hotel and bar in Aurora Village, to pay a debt.
While they were re-entering their car, Grimes had said, they reportedly heard two gunshots. Grimes, who was the driver, said he drove off in attempt to get to safety and two additional shots were heard.
The police report added that Grimes looked over at Khan, who was in the passenger seat and saw that he had sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his face.
Grimes immediately drove to the Suddie Public Hospital, where they were both examined by a doctor on duty and admitted.
The police recovered a .32 spent shell. A check of the vehicle also revealed what appeared to be two bullet holes in the door.
