JUSTICE Navindra Singh conducted a voir dire (a trial within a trial) that resulted in caution statements by the four accused in the US$700 stepfather killing being admitted into evidence.

The accused Bissoondial Mahadeo, called ‘Weed Man’; Bibi Shamiza, called ‘Sham’; Hoosman Khan, called ‘Strongman’; and Bibi Farida Khan, called ‘Pum’, all of Winsor Forest, are accused of having on the 7th September, 2009, at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, murdered Motilall Singh, because it is alleged he wanted to sell the house with them inside.
The judge yesterday adjourned further hearing of the trial to January 6, 2014, and wished the jury a happy Xmas and a prosperous new year.
According to Police Sergeant Narine Lall, the number one accused Bissoondial Mahadeo told him in his caution statement that six days prior to the murder he was with his friend ‘Little’ at Windsor Forest talking with him and his wife Shameeza.
He then said they told him that they wanted him to kill ‘Uncle Motie’ because he wants to sell the house with them inside and that there would be a good chance when Motie was returning home from drinking that night.
“‘Little’ tell meh that if meh go with he pon the work, he gon give me $100,000 and me tell he alright. Sir, this morning about 10 ‘o’ clock me bin deh home when “Little” come and call me and tell meh that all the arrangements in place,” Mahadeo said in the statement.
“Sir me see he with a black handle knife and me and he walk and go to the Windsor Forest First Street. Awee sid down pon the roadside bench and 10 minutes after one bus stop on the public road and me see Motie and he cousin Hoosman come out.
“When they reach next to me and “Little”, “Little” scramble Motie on he neck and start jook he. Motie start fight back and “Little” shout for me. Then me help “Little” hold Motie and he gave him couple more jooks in he belly and me see he fell down and after that me run and go home,” the statement disclosed.
Lawyer Glenn Hanoman is appearing for Mahadeo, while Mr. Bernard De Santos, S.C. is appearing for the other three accused.
Mr. De Santos completed his cross-examination of Lall yesterday.
State Prosecutrix Mrs. Judith Gildharie-Mursalin re-examined the witness, following which the judge adjourned the hearing to 6th January 2014.

(By George Barclay)