MURDER accused duo, Soloman Milton of Nigg Settlement, Corentyne, and Antonio Singh Balrup of Lot 15 Reliance Settlement, East Canje, who were arrested for the fatal shooting of Patricia Samaroo appeared at the Reliance Court charged with murder.The men were not required to plead to the capital offence which was read by Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs.

However, when the court requested from defence counsel, Mursalene Bacchus, who is representing the number two accused, particulars of his client, he said that he was not obliged to furnish the court with the information. The attorney then instructed the men in the dock not to answer any questions.

However, the persistent magistrate proceeded to ask Milton his age and the reply was “23 years”, and then he was asked his address but he responded, “I have nothing to say.”

Meanwhile the same questions were put by the magistrate to Singh, who responded as advised by his lawyer, “I have nothing to say.”

Consequently, the magistrate invited the rank who instituted the charge to give sworn evidence with respect to the particulars of the accused men. Detective Lance Corporal Dinesh Baichu informed the court that during an interview with the men he learnt that Milton was 23 years old and lived at Lot 60 Nigg Settlement, Corentyne, while Singh Balrup was 26 years old and lived at Lot 15 Reliance Settlement, East Canje.

Sergeant Godfrey Playter, prosecuting, objected to bail while noting the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence, and pointed out that another complainant was in a critical position in the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Further, the prosecutor informed the court that Balrup is at present on bail pending an appeal in another matter.

The men are alleged to have barged into a home at Fyrish Village, Corentyne, where they fatally shot Patricia Samaroo.
They were refused bail and remanded to prison until March 25 when the matter will be called at Albion Magistrate’s Court.
By Jeune Vankeric