A 33-year-old businessman has been remanded to prison following charges related to a fatal hit-and-run motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of 16-year-old Kimberley Jones along the Bel Air Public Road, West Coast Berbice.
Paul Mahabal of Montrose, East Coast Demerara, appeared on Friday before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Weldaad Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with failing to stop after an accident and failing to render assistance. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded to prison.

The charges stem from a fatal collision that occurred around 21:20hrs on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. According to the police, Jones, a resident of Lot 63, Number 22 Village, Bel Air, was attempting to cross the road from north to south when she was struck by a motorcar bearing registration number PAF 2130.
The vehicle was reportedly being driven by Mahabal, who was proceeding west along the southern side of the roadway.
Instead of stopping to assist, Mahabal allegedly fled the scene, leaving the unconscious teen on the road. Eyewitnesses and concerned residents rushed to Jones’s aid and transported her to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police ranks from the Mahaicony Police Station later intercepted the vehicle and arrested Mahabal. The vehicle has since been lodged as part of the investigation.
Investigators have indicated that additional charges, including causing death by dangerous driving, will be brought against Mahabal following the completion of a post-mortem examination on Jones.
Mahabal is expected to return to court on a later date pending further legal proceedings.