The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the 2019 murder of a Better Hope, East Coast Demerara money changer and his daughter, will continue on February 9 with Mark Rufino removed from the joint charge.
When the matter was called on February 1, before Magistrate Alisha George, who is presiding over the PI at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, Police Prosecutor Vivian Adolph formally told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, has advised that Rufino, one of the accused jointly charged over the murder, be removed from the charge and that the PI continue. The matter continued on Wednesday, February 3, but due to internet issues it was adjourned. It will be called again on February 9. A number of dates in February, have been fixed for the witnesses to testify.
Rufino, 25, a labourer, of Parika is currently on the run after escaping from the Lusignan Prison in October, 2020. He is jointly charged with Paul Chan, 37, a conductor, of Sophia; Troy Abrams, a vendor, of Agricola; Lloyd Sadloo, 37, of Mocha; and Sean Thomas, 41, an electrician, of Kitty. The charge alleges that on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, they murdered Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arianna Latchman, in the course or furtherance of a robbery.
The PI was halted in last December after Rufino escaped from Lusignan Prison. He has not been recaptured since. The Magistrate granted the prosecutor one month to seek advice from DPP on the way forward for the matter. The time also granted the police the opportunity to capture Rufino. However, after this did not happen and the prosecution did not obtain legal advice, Magistrate George once again granted the prosecutor time to seek legal advice. A shorter period was granted this time.
According to the police, the victims arrived at their home in a car and as they exited the vehicle they were confronted by the men. A struggle ensued and the perpetrators shot the victims multiple times and escaped with a bag containing cash. The victims were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Rufino escaped from the Lusignan Prison on October 21.
