A FATHER of one was yesterday committed to stand trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes for the capital offence. Nykosuie Gritten, 20, of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on February 2.

He was not required to plead to the indictable offence, that said between June 20 and June 23, 2014 at West Ruimveldt, he murdered 44-year-old Wendell Liverpool, called ‘Shinks’, in the furtherance of a robbery.

Prosecuting on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecution Chambers (DPP) was Police Corporal Bharat Mangru. The preliminary inquiry (PI) was conducted before the chief magistrate and the prosecution had called 10 witnesses to testify.

Representing the accused was attorney-at-law, Mr. Madan Kissoon.

The court found that a prima facie case has been established and there is sufficient evidence for the matter to be tried at the High Court.

Reports indicate that Liverpool, of Lot 453 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, was shot in the back, buttocks and shoulder around 22:00hrs on June 20, 2014, outside a night spot located on the West Ruimveldt Front Road, a short distance from his home.
According to reports, Liverpool was sitting with one of his brothers when three men on bicycles rode up to the siblings. There was reportedly a brief exchange of words between Liverpool and the gunmen before they shot him.

After he collapsed on the roadway, the gunmen reportedly relieved the money-changer of a large gold chain, two gold rings encrusted with small diamonds and a gold band.
Relatives believe that the bandits also took cash from their victim. Liverpool was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he underwent surgery before being transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He subsequently succumbed to the injuries. (Geeta Rampersaud)