A CORONER’S inquest is expected to commence into the death of Police Constable Shaquiel Woolford, 20, who was killed during an accident at Success Public Road, Leguan, Essequibo island on May 20, 2017.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdictions, and is held to determine the cause of a person’s death.

In Guyana, a sitting magistrate who acts as the coroner empanels a jury, after which the inquest is conducted.

Magistrate Esther Sam will preside over the inquest at the Leguan Magistrate’s Court with a five-member jury to determine whether anyone is criminally responsible for Woolford’s death.

According to reports, Woolford was attached to the Leguan Police Station.
Enquiries disclosed that Constable Woolford was proceeding east along the road on motorcycle CH1860 when another motorcycle CH4564, driven by a 44-year-old Phoenix, Leguan resident, rode out of a yard from a northerly direction into the path of the policeman and they collided.

As a result of the impact, Constable Woolford fell and suffered injuries to his face and head.
He was rushed to the Leguan Cottage Hospital in a conscious state where he was treated and referred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, but succumbed on his way to that institution.