— claims sole responsibility, says co-accused are innocent
A Venezuelan national accused of masterminding last year’s deadly gas station explosion has indicated his intention to plead guilty, telling the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday that he acted alone in carrying out the attack.
Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, 33, made the disclosure before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty through a translator during paper-committal proceedings, while also asserting that the three other individuals jointly charged in the matter are innocent.
Poedemo is being represented by attorney Shellon Boyce of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.
However, prosecutor Mandel Moore cautioned that any move toward a guilty plea must first be reviewed and approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the court can proceed on that basis.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 20.
The proceedings on Monday were expected to mark the start of the paper committal in the high-profile case, which has gripped national attention since the fatal explosion on October 26, 2026.
Before the court are four accused: Poedemo; fellow Venezuelans Johnny Boodram, 27, and Alexander Bettencourt, 44; and 33-year-old Guyanese Krystal LaCruz.
All four have been jointly charged with terrorism in connection with the explosion, which resulted in the tragic death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several of her relatives injured.
Authorities have described the explosion as a coordinated terrorist act. Investigators alleged that Poedemo entered Guyana around 08:00 hours on the day of the attack, carrying an explosive device in two bulky black plastic bags, as seen on surveillance footage.
Minutes after Poedemo entered the gas station compound, the device detonated, killing Bourne and injuring several others who were inside a car.
Those injured include Jenica Hooper, 27; Yvonne Jonas, 71; Seddia McIntosh; and 11-year-old Reshard Lord. Several vehicles and nearby buildings were also damaged in what has been described as one of the country’s most serious national security incidents in recent years.
Poedemo faces a separate charge of terrorism, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which alleges that he detonated an explosive device with the intent to threaten Guyana’s security and sovereignty or to strike terror among the public, resulting in the child’s death.
The remaining accused—Venezuelan Jennifer Rodriguez, 33, and Guyanese Wayne Correia, 44, and Ramesh Pramdeo, 51—are jointly charged with aiding and abetting Poedemo.
Their matter is being heard at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. All seven accused remain on remand as proceedings continue.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has said the accused will face the full force of the law once convicted, confirming that the state intends to seek the death penalty under Guyana’s anti-terrorism legislation, which provides for capital punishment where terrorist acts result in loss of life.
