THE trial into the 2016 murder of Brazilian gold miner, Nandinho De Costa Souza, who was found with his throat slit in his Fish Creek, Cuyuni River camp, commenced on Wednesday, before Justice Navindra Singh at the Essequibo High Court.
Brothers, Phillip Williams and Fidel Williams, pleaded not guilty to the offence which alleged that, on February 9, 2016, they murdered Souza. A 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the case. The state is being represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken while attorney, Lachmi Dindayal, is on record for the brothers. The case was adjourned until June 3.
In March 2021, the case was sent for retrial after a jury was unable to arrive at a verdict. The case was before Justice Gino Persaud at the Essequibo High Court.
According to reports, Souza, called “Vandam” of Boa Vista, Brazil, was found next to a sluice box, and a quantity of gold was missing. The victim, who reportedly owned two land dredges, was reportedly last seen washing down the sluice box with one of the men suspected of killing him.