EACH of the two men who murdered Rose Hall, Region Six grocer, Lomenzo Johnny was sentenced to life in prison by Berbice High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon, with the condition that they spend at least 30 years before being eligible for parole, for what he called the senseless slaying of the man.

At their virtual sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Satram Kushlay, 30, of Rose Hall and Bilall McLennon, 33, of Hampshire, Region Six, were handed the lengthy jail sentences.

The time the two convicted men spent on remand awaiting trial has to be subtracted from the 30-year stipulated parole eligibility period, according Justice Kissoon’s ruling.

He also mandated that the two participate in skill training programmes while they are behind bars in order to support their rehabilitation for reintegration into society.

The 49-year-old businessman was murdered during a robbery in February 2020.

Following hours of deliberation last month, the mixed 12-member jury returned with its guilty verdicts, convicting the two men of the capital offence.

State Counsel Muntaz Ali had presented the case for the prosecution.

Johnny called “Sham” operated a grocery shop at his Lot 11, East Side Line Dam, Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant home. His body was discovered in a clump of bushes on a farm a short distance from his home on February 27, 2020.

He was last seen alive at around 19:30 hours on the night of February 26, 2020, as he went out for his usual evening jog. His remains were discovered around 07:45 hours the following morning, with his feet tied with a black lace.

There were severe wounds to his head, injuries to his left eye and strangulation marks on his neck. Wounds were also seen on his back along with bruises to the hands.
His cause of death was given as multiple injuries.

In addition to Mc Lennon and Khuslay, three others were charged in connection with the murder following confessions and the discovery of a safe belonging to the businessman and over $2 million in the possession of two of the men.

Daniel McLennon, 27, of Rose Hall and Gopaul Ramgobin and Navindra Narine, both 27, from Tain Village, Region Six, were charged with accessory after the fact.

It is alleged that they received, comforted, relieved, maintained, harboured, and assisted Kushlay and McLennon, knowing they had murdered Johnny.
Their case is yet to be called for trial.