The case file on the investigation into the shooting of a 25-year-old woman by Region Nine Regional Executive Officer Karl Singh has been sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
This was disclosed by the acting Commander for Region Nine Raphael Rose. The victim, Gladys Benedict is in a stable condition at the Lethem Regional Hospital.
Last night the police said that their investigation had revealed that the shooting was allegedly accidental. Singh who has been in police custody since his arrest, was yesterday placed on bail and is to return to the police at Lethem today.
The police in a statement on Wednesday, said that around 11 pm on Tuesday at the Commercial Zone, Lethem, Singh and Benedict were in a motor vehicle belonging to Singh, when he allegedly shot her in the abdomen.
Benedict was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital by Singh where she immediately underwent surgery. According to police, Singh was subsequently arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station where his licensed firearm was seized and lodged.
The victim’s father, Dennis, told Stabroek News that Singh offered to take Benedict and two others home. They were all under the influence of alcohol, he said.
They agreed and Benedict jumped into the front seat of the vehicle while the other two sat in the rear. She said that Singh mumbled something about someone removing his gun from the car. He then bent to retrieve it and while cocking it, allegedly shot her.
Benedict blurted out that she had been shot and she was rushed to the hospital. At around 12:45 am yesterday, Dennis said they received a call that his daughter had been shot. He said that by the time they arrived at the hospital, she was already being prepped for surgery.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
