THE preliminary inquiry (PI) involving the death of former Guyana Defence Force captain, Orwain Sandy, who is charged with the murder of his reputed wife, is winding down as the final six witnesses are expected to take to the witness stand.

The PI is being conducted by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman with evidence being led by Police Prosecutor Corporal Shawn Gonsalves. Sandy is being represented by attorney James Bond.

Detective Corporal Kevin Hubert testified during Wednesday’s hearing and the matter continues today (July 26.)

Sandy, who served as Special Assistant to the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, is currently on remand for the murder of Reona Payne on March 31, 2018 at First Street, Alexander Village.

According to reports, Sandy, after committing the act, surrendered to police at the Ruimveldt Police Station on Saturday, March 31. A post-mortem report revealed that Payne died from 14 gunshot wounds to her body– 13 to her chest and one to the head.
The police have confirmed that Sandy used his service firearm during the shooting. Police sources also related that the soldier had on one occasion lodged his firearm at the police station during a domestic dispute.

One source said the soldier had suspected that Reona was being unfaithful and was conversing with someone from overseas. It was reported that Sandy had planned to drop Payne off at her place of work when she received a phone call allegedly from the same person from overseas.

When the soldier questioned her and asked her to desist from railroading their relationship, an argument ensued and in the vicinity of the masjid in First Street, Alexander Village, Reona grabbed the soldier’s firearm and threw it out of the car.
According to the source, Sandy stopped the vehicle to retrieve the weapon and Payne exited too. After picking up the gun, he fired in her direction, emptying the entire magazine.