Patentia shooting…
THE policeman, who is alleged to have shot and killed 16-year-old schoolboy Kelvin Fraser, at Patentia, West Bank Demerara, three weeks ago, has been charged with murder. Police Constable Quancy John, 30, of Lot 325 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson, in Georgetown yesterday and was remanded to prison.
The case was also transferred to Wales Court, also on West Bank Demerara, for July 9.
Particulars of the capital offence said the accused murdered Fraser on June 7.
Attorneys-at-law Mr. Hubert Rodney and Mr. Donald Trotman appeared for the prisoner and the former said John has been in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for two years, with no antecedents.
Rodney said he is very concerned with the dynamics of the case and he and his associate have written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the GPF, requesting a forensic test on the weapon that was used in the shooting.
The lawyer called for the testing to be done by an independent body so that the Defence can be satisfied in preparing for the preliminary inquiry (PI).
Rodney said in order for their request to be met, the DPP and GPF must release the gun.
Noting that John has been under close arrest since the incident occurred, Rodney said he hopes that the GPF has a special place, separate from other prisoners, to keep policemen who are charged.
Rodney said John helped to put four men in prison and is likely to be harmed by them if sent on remand at the same jail in Camp Street.
He proposed that John, for his safety and protection, be kept at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) pending his trial.
Police Inspector Stephen Telford, prosecuting, indicated that the forensic examination will be done on the firearm before it is released.
He said there is no authority that compels the Prosecution to hand over evidence to the Defence.
The Prosecutor also opposed the request for John to remain under close arrest at CID and said policemen charged are, sometimes, placed at the Lusignan Prison.
Fraser was shot under controversial circumstances when Police responded to a report at Patentia Secondary School and his death led to protest action at West Bank Demerara and in Georgetown, including by his schoolmates and family members.