DWAYNE Thomas, a 22-year-old resident of Laluni, has admitted to manslaughter in the death of 28-year-old Brian Pitman, popularly known as “DJ Viper,” during a violent incident outside a family birthday celebration on January 8, 2023.

The plea was entered before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara. Thomas had originally been indicted for the capital offence of murder but accepted the lesser charge following an agreed statement of facts presented to the court.

Represented by attorney-at-law Madan Kissoon, Thomas remains in custody as he waits sentencing, which is scheduled for November 19, 2025.

The prosecution is being handled by State Counsel Simran Gajraj, Christopher Belfield, and Geneva Wills.

Court documents detailed that the fatal incident unfolded around 20:00 hours. outside Pitman’s family member’s home along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Thomas and two other men were riding motorcycles when they began attacking Omar Bacchus, Pitman’s father-in-law, on the roadway.

Pitman reportedly rushed to Bacchus’ aid, armed with a piece of wood. He was confronted by Thomas and the other men, all carrying sharp objects. During the attack, Pitman fell to the ground and was struck multiple times.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation but was pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination later revealed four incised wounds caused by a sharp, heavy instrument. The cause of death was listed as haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised wounds.

Thomas’ guilty plea was accepted by Chief Justice Singh, who has requested pre-sentencing reports, including probation, prison conduct, and victim impact assessments, to guide the sentencing process.

The court has directed the prosecution to outline aggravating factors, while the defence must provide mitigating factors for consideration before sentencing.