ASP refuses to testify in Crum-Ewing PI
Regan Rodrigues known as ‘Grey Boy’
Regan Rodrigues known as ‘Grey Boy’

ASSISTANT Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mitchell Caesar, who is also Head of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit, refused to testify in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Courtney Crum-Ewing on Wednesday.

The ASP appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court as a witness for the Prosecution, but refused to testify after the accused, Regan Rodrigues known as ‘Grey Boy’ hurled a series of derogatory remarks against him.

The PI is being heard by Magistrate Judy Latchman, while well-known attorney Nigel Hughes is the Special Prosecutor. ASP Caesar was the first witness to be called to the stand by Hughes and as he began to testify, Rodrigues stood up in the prisoners’ dock and hurled insulting remarks at the police officer.

The ASP then informed the court that he would not continue his testimony until Rodrigues desist from his actions. Magistrate Latchman then cleared the courtroom and tried to calm Rodrigues.
“You need to stop behaving like this and let Mr. Caesar give his evidence,” Magistrate Latchman pleaded with the murder accused. The Magistrate explained to him that if there is not sufficient evidence against him she will discharge the matter again.

She further explained that if a prima facie case is made out she will send the matter up to the High Court for a judge and jury to decide. Rodrigues’s mother was also called in to calm him down.

ASP, Mitchell Caesar

Meanwhile, ASP Caesar was instructed by the Magistrate to remain in the periphery of the court room. However, when the matter was recalled and ASP Caesar was called to the witness stand, he had already left the court’s compound.

Magistrate Latchman voiced her disappointment in ASP Caesar as a senior officer of the Guyana Police Force. She stated that he ought to know better as a law enforcement officer and as a senior rank. The matter was adjourned until May 3.

In September 2016, Rodrigues was freed of the murder charge by Magistrate Latchman due to the lack of evidence. The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to re-open the case for further evidence from police witnesses and for the Magistrate to rule on the oral statements made by Rodrigues.

The bullet-riddled body of Crum-Ewing was found at Third Avenue, Diamond New Scheme, EBD, days before the May 11, 2015 elections. The 40-year-old was shot twice to the temple, once to the back of the head and twice to the stomach.

The police in a statement had stated that the political activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body. It was reported that the killer (s) used a .32 pistol to execute Crum-Ewing.

The political activist was well known for his one-man protest outside the office of former Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall. Minutes before he was gunned down, he was reportedly heard via bullhorn urging residents of the neighbourhood to vote against the then ruling PPP/C party.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.