Elroy Withrite, also known as ‘Eddie’, is set to be sentenced on October 15, following his guilty plea in the killing of Andrew Drakes on June 8, 2019, at Farm, East Bank Essequibo. The initial sentencing was scheduled for September 17, but was postponed after questions were raised about Withrite’s mental state. However, the court has since determined that he is fit to proceed with sentencing.
Court records show that Withrite and Drakes were known to each other, both residing in Farm. On June 8, 2019, around 5:00 pm, the two were standing on Pump Station Street in the same village. Shortly after, a scream was heard, and Drakes was found lying face down in a pool of blood. Police reports confirmed Drakes had sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to the back of his head and both hands. Withrite was found at the scene holding a cutlass and was arrested.
In a written statement made under caution in the presence of his mother and police officers, Withrite admitted to attacking Drakes with a cutlass on June 8, following an altercation between the two the previous day.
A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh on June 12, 2019, concluded that Drakes died from hemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds. The examination revealed Drakes sustained eight cuts during the attack.
Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus is expected to deliver Withrite’s sentence at the High Court in Demerara.
