THIS was the alleged confession by Clive Knights to Assistant Supt. of Police, Joel David, who was investigating the killing of 44-year-old Bert Whyte, on May 14th 2012. Earlier that afternoon, Whyte had taken his niece to lessons at the Concord Academy, New Market Street and had returned for her at 5.15 pm, when he dropped her at Stabroek as she lived on West Demerara.
The girl disclosed that when her uncle returned for her, she observed that he was accompanied by another man who was in the front seat of his vehicle.
ASP David said that he was on duty at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), at Brickdam Police Station, when he received certain information. Consequently, he proceeded to Palm Court on Middle Street, where he made contact with Philip Dundas.
As a result of a conversation, he checked a fire hydrant west and east of Palm Court. About three to four feet from the fire hydrant, he said he saw two spots of what appeared to be blood about two to three inches apart from each other.
He added: “I then proceeded north of Main Street and west into Bentick Street, where I checked for any weapon or object that might have resulted in the stabbing of Bert Whyte. I found nothing. I later contacted Gary Vandeburg called “Red Man” of Queen Street, South Cummingsburg, Tiger Bay. I then interviewed him and took a
statement.
“On 16th May, I contacted one Rishawn Whyte at Brickdam, CID and interviewed her and as a consequence of what she said, I invited her to take a look at the police photographic album. There she pointed out among other photographs, the accused to be the person she last saw with her uncle. I then took a statement from her.
“On 5th August, 2012, I contacted the accused Clive Knights at the CID office at around 4.45pm.I told him I was in receipt of information that he on 14th May, 2012, wounded Bert Whyte in Bentick Street, South Cummingsburg resulting in his death. I cautioned him in compliance with the Judges Rules that he was not obliged to say anything unless he wishes to do so and that anything that he says may be put into writing and given in evidence. I also told him of his right for a friend, relative or attorney to be present. He said he understood and he told me: “Bert was my friend and I am sorry I killed him.”
Witness said that the accused later decided to put what he told him into writing, and that was done.
Prosecuting in the matter are Mrs. Judith Mursalin and Miss Narissa Leander.
Attorney-at-Law, Mrs. Konyo Thompson is defence counsel.
Justice Navindra Singh is presiding in the matter, which continues today.
By George Barclay