MURDER accused duo Devon Thomas and Randy Isaac are on trial before Justice Navindra Singh in the Demerara Assizes for the 2013 Mash celebrations murder of Kumar Mohabir.

Defence counsels Mr. Peter Hugh and Miss Latchmi Rahamat are defending them. Miss Stacy Goodings and Miss Diana Kaulesar are prosecuting.

In her opening address to the jury, Miss Goodings assured that evidence would be led through witnesses, and that it would be the duty of the jury to listen to that evidence and to decide whether or not they believe what they had heard.
The prosecutrix said, “You will hear from an eyewitness, family member, police officer and a forensic pathologist. Those same witnesses may be questioned or cross-examined by the defence counsel.

“If there are issues which are unclear in your minds after the prosecution and the defence have finished questioning a witness, then you, the members of the jury, can question that witness if you wish to do so.

“The prosecution will seek to show that during Mashramani celebrations on February 23, 2013, Kumar Mohabir, while with family, was attacked by Devon Thomas, Randy Isaac and others. After the alleged attack, Kumar Mohabir was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

“From these witnesses, you will get a complete picture of what happened, and what (had) led to the death of Kumar Mohabir.

“Further, based on the evidence led, you will be asked to draw inferences in order to determine what facts exist in this case.

“We each have a role to play in this courtroom throughout this trial. The solemn oath you each took is an important and serious one. That oath is to try the two accused (and) to return a verdict in accordance with the evidence presented.

“Additionally, that oath places on you a serious duty, as part of the justice system in Guyana,” the prosecutrix told the jury.
Bheemchand Mohabir, the first witness called to testify, had identified the body of Mohabir at a post-mortem.

The hearing is continuing.

By George Barclay