Joshua Martin Archer called ‘Joshie’, a 22-year-old labourer of Robert Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was arrested on August 5, 2023, by Deputy Superintendent Dufu and charged yesterday with the murder of Olato Sam, 53.
He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court #1 before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool, where the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead and was remanded to prison.
The matter was adjourned to September 26, 2023, for disclosure of statements.
The police in a statement yesterday said that Archer has pending matters of possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence and possession of narcotics for trafficking. The trial in those matters has commenced and continues on August 24, 2023.
The police had said the incident occurred at about 12.30 am on August 4th. Enquiries revealed that around 11.15 pm on August 3rd, Sam went to the Gold Rush Bar, where he met three of his friends, and while there, they consumed a few drinks outside the bar.
At about 12.10 am on August 4th, a fight broke out between two men on the opposite side of the street. Two loud explosions, which sounded like gunshots, were heard from the direction of the two men and Sam collapsed to the ground. His friends immediately rendered assistance and rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Upon examination by medical staff, the body bore what appeared to be a gunshot wound on the upper left side of his chest.
