THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Dexter Lindo, an alleged bandit, who was shot and killed by a licensed firearm holder will begin this month at the Georgetown Magistrates Court.
The charge of murder was laid against Lawrence Wayne, who is alleged to have killed Lindo in August 2014.When the matter was first called, Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru had stated that the defendant managed to flee the jurisdiction. However, he was subsequently arrested when he came back to Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after arriving on a flight from Barbados. The man was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in May, when he appeared before her and the matter was transferred to Magistrate Ann McLennan.
According to the police report, around 13:15 hrs on Saturday, August 23, 2014, two men armed with handguns entered the Wayne Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman Mall, Bourda, Georgetown. Upon seeing the men, the female owner ran and raised an alarm, and a licensed firearm holder responded.
It was further alleged that the two armed men entered a waiting motor vehicle driven by an accomplice, and were trailed by the licensed firearm holder in his vehicle. Wayne subsequently saw the getaway car at Light and Fifth Streets, Alberttown.
The police said that the firearm holder confronted a man who had exited the car and entered a shop in the area, during which the man whipped out a firearm and was shot to his abdomen by the licensed firearm holder. The man however managed to escape on foot, but the unlicensed .32 Beretta pistol with four rounds that he had in his possession was recovered and handed over to the police.
According to the police, the injured bandit was later found at a private hospital where he later succumbed.
Magistrate McLennan said that the PI will commence on Monday, July 27, when it will be determined whether the defendant will stand trial by jury at the High Court. The prosecutor explained that the investigation has been completed and so are the statements. Approximately 15 witnesses, including police officers and civilians are expected to testify on the prosecution’s behalf.