— and executing minibus passenger

ORPHEUS Johnson, a pork-knocker of Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara, on Tuesday, admitted to shooting a sleeping family and killing Travis Rudder Sr, on June 21, 2015 at their Lot 130 Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara home.

On the day, gunmen, firing semi-automatic pistols through a bedroom window, pumped 12 bullets into Travis Rudder Snr, and a few more rounds into his wife and baby son, as they slept in their bedroom.

By the time the gunmen’s clips were empty, Rudder lay sprawled and lifeless on his bed; his 18-month old son, Jaheal Rudder, badly wounded, with six gunshots to the stomach and back, and Rudder’s reputed wife, Mawanza Gill, bleeding from gunshot wounds to both legs.

On Tuesday, Johnson also admitted that on April 22, 2015 at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, he killed Gladstone George, called “Brother”, of Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, who was shot execution style while a passenger of a minibus at Agricola.

George was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Johnson was arrested and placed on an ID parade where he was positively pointed out by an eyewitness.

Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder. The charges read that on June 21, 2015, he unlawfully killed Travis Rudder and on April 22, 2015, he unlawfully killed a man unknown to him, and on June 21, 2015 he discharged a loaded firearm at Mowanza Gill and Jaheal Rudder with the intent to commit murder.

Johnson’s criminal career dates way back to 2009 when he faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder and robbery under-arms. However, Johnson was not convicted on those charges.

The pleas were taken by Justice Sandil Kissoon who ordered a probation report be prepared on behalf for Johnson who will return to court on May 3 for sentencing. The State was represented by prosecutors Tyra Bakker and Lisa Cave, while Johnson was represented by attorney-at-law, Rachael Bakker.