DAVID Smith, also known as ‘Shanko,’ has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his 19-year-old cousin with an arrow in 2019, at Blackwater Backdam, Cuyuni River

Smith was charged for the capital offence of murder but when his case was called before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, on Monday, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. According to the particulars of the charge, he, on March 22, 2019, unlawfully killed Dave Boyal with an arrow.

Sentencing was deferred until December 17. The state was represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken.

According to reports, Smith and Boyal were close cousins who lived in the same area. On the day in question, the two men were at a camp when an argument ensued between them.

As a result, Smith, in his fury, stabbed Boyal to the left side of his lower abdomen with an arrow, which resulted in Boyal bleeding profusely. He subsequently succumbed. Smith was later arrested and charged.