THE man accused of murdering 54-year-old Dwane Williams, a vendor from Linden who was discovered dead behind a shack in the mining town, has been convicted of manslaughter.

Larry Da Silva, 34 years old, also known as ‘Kill Quick’ of Wismar Housing Scheme in Linden, stood trial for Williams’ murder before Justice Sandil Kissoon of the Demerara High Court.

However, after deliberations last week, the jury found him not guilty of the capital offence of murder, but guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The sentencing hearing for the convict has been postponed to a later date, and he is currently in custody.

Reports indicate that Williams was discovered deceased at his residence in Wismar Housing Scheme on November 27, 2020. He was last seen alive on November 26, 2020. He was found behind a shack by his nephew, who noticed severe wounds to his throat and right wrist.

Detectives recovered a knife after a search of the area.

The police stated that Williams, who lived alone, was killed between 21:00hrs on November 26, 2020, and 05:45hrs on November 27, 2020. On November 26, 2020, Williams visited his 88-year-old mother at her residence in One Mile Wismar, where she resided with the nephew.

Afterward, he reportedly left to return home to prepare a meal.

On November 27, 2020, individuals in the vicinity informed the nephew that Williams was lying motionlessly behind the structure. Williams, also known as ‘Levi’ and ‘Sweetie Man,’ worked as a vendor in the mining town and his cause of death was given as multiple incised wounds.