JUSTICE James Bovell-Drakes yesterday started the Parika triple murder case with a voir dire (trial within a trial).

The smaller trial, continuing today, is to also determine the admissibility of an alleged confession by the accused, Arshad Ali known as George.

It is being conducted at the request of State Prosecutor Prithima Kissoon.

Ali is facing a three-count indictment for the unlawful killings of Victoria Benjamin, Davika and Anida Bowling, between May 8 and 9, 2006, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

The victims died in a fire at their home.

Kissoon adopted that course after Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos, for the Defence, indicated that he would be making objections to certain aspects of the case for the Prosecution. (George Barclay)