RANDY Willings, a 33-year-old father of three and resident of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was sentenced to 14 years in prison last Thursday, after being found guilty of unlawfully killing 37-year-old handyman, Kevin Smith.

The sentencing was handed down by Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court. The incident occurred on February 8, 2021, at Smith’s home on the ‘C’ Field Reserve Dam, Sophia, following a heated argument between the two men.

According to reports, the altercation escalated when Willings, armed with a knife, stabbed Smith three times—once in the chest, once in the abdomen, and once above the left knee—before fleeing the scene.

Smith, gravely injured, was found by neighbours who called emergency responders. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Following an investigation, Willings was arrested and initially charged with murder. He later faced trial for the crime and was found guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter by a jury.

During the sentencing hearing, State Prosecutor, attorney Mikel Puran, relied on the statement of aggravating factors he had earlier submitted to the court.
Defence attorney, Kiswana Jefford, highlighted that Willings had no prior convictions, expressed genuine remorse, and, given his age, was a good candidate for rehabilitation. She consequently urged the court to show leniency and temper justice with mercy.

A probation report presented in court described Willings as a generally quiet individual with no history of violent behaviour and highlighted his good conduct while in prison.

Although convicted by a jury of his peers, the probation report noted that Willings continues to maintain his innocence while expressing remorse for the incident.

A probation officer concluded that the death of Willings’ parents contributed to his delinquency during his teenage years. In a victim impact statement read aloud by the prosecutor, Smith’s family called for justice. Willings, when given the opportunity to speak, apologised to Smith’s family and the court. “I am very sorry and I am asking you for forgiveness,” he told the judge.

Justice Barlow, in her sentencing remarks, acknowledged the mitigating factors, including Willings’ lack of prior convictions. However, she underscored the gravity of the offence, the use of a weapon, and the lasting trauma inflicted on Smith’s family.

She emphasised that Smith was killed in the sanctity of his own home and noted the trend of resorting to violence to settle disputes. With their guilty verdict, she stated, the jurors were convinced “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Willings was responsible for inflicting the fatal injuries on the victim.

Starting with a base sentence of 18 years, which she deemed “just and appropriate”, the judge deducted four years for mitigating factors, resulting in a final sentence of 14 years.

The time Willings spent in pre-trial detention since February 2021 will be subtracted from his sentence. Justice Barlow also ordered that Willings participate in behaviour modification, academic and vocational training programmes while incarcerated, with the aim of preparing him for reintegration into society.

Although Willings’ upbringing was challenging, the judge emphasised that, at the time of the crime, he was old enough to make an informed decision.