Two fishermen are now awaiting sentencing after admitting their respective roles in the 2017 murder of Kowal Shivnauth whom they stabbed at a bar at Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
Roopnarine Persaud called “Helicopter” and Deonarine Laakhan called “Pascal” were initially indicted for the capital offence which stated that on January 9th, 2017 they murdered Shivnauth also known as “Rupie.”
At their arraignment before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Demerara yesterday morning, however, the jointly-charged duo denied the murder charge, but admitted guilt on the lesser offence of manslaughter.
Presenting the facts which both accused accepted, Prosecutor Muntaz Ali said that on the day in question the accused were at a bar when Persaud approached and started arguing with Shivnauth, who was drinking at the time.
The court heard that during that time Persaud whipped out a knife with which he began cutting Shivnauth, who in-turn grabbed a beer bottle in a bid to defend himself.
Ali said that Persaud managed to take away the bottle, with which he then lashed Shivnauth.
The prosecutor said that it was at this time that Laakhan—the stepson of Shivnauth—started shouting to Persaud to “juk he, juk he.”
The court then heard that Persaud stabbed Shivnauth six times to his chest and abdomen which subsequently led to his death
When asked if they were in agreement with the case presented by the State, both accused answered in the affirmative.
Justice Kissoon has deferred sentencing to September 8th pending the presentation of a probation and other social impact reports.
The two accused are being represented by defence attorney Teriq Mohammed.
