Twenty-year-old Elroy Matthias called ‘Chinee Boy’, a labourer, of Supenaam, East Bank Essequibo, appeared last week before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court where he was charged with murder.
It was alleged that on Sunday, January 7, at Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, Matthias murdered a 25-year-old labourer, Ricardo John known as ‘Cardo’, of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast.
Matthias was not required to enter a plea to the charge.
The court heard that on the day in question, the two men were imbibing at a liquor shop at Lima Sands when a heated argument ensued between them. It is alleged that there was bad blood between them over a female.
In the midst of the argument, the suspect who was armed with a cutlass, allegedly chopped the victim in the chest and then fled the scene. John collapsed and with the assistance of friends and relatives, was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Swift action by the police led to the arrest of Matthias.
The magistrate refused to grant Matthias bail and he was remanded to prison.
Leita Kumar, a relative of the victim, told Stabroek News that John would usually support his family financially and his death was a great loss.
The case has been adjourned until January 24 at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court for disclosure of statements.
