AT the Demerara High Court, 29-year-old logger Marlon La Rose was convicted of manslaughter in the death of 24-year-old Kevin Hercules of Wiruni, Upper Demerara River.
The jury reached its verdict on Monday, opting for the lesser charge of manslaughter after La Rose was initially indicted for murder.

La Rose remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17, 2025. The case, presided over by Justice Sandil Kissoon, revolved around an incident between September 12 and 13, 2021.
Hercules’ body was found in the Berbice River on September 14, 2021, showing signs of violent injury. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Hercules was last seen alive drinking with friends at a local shop before departing by boat.

His body was discovered with severe facial mutilations and a wound to the neck, suggesting foul play. The prosecution, led by State Counsel Alvaro Ramotar and State Counsel Delon Fraser, presented evidence outlining the circumstances surrounding Hercules’ death. The defence, represented by attorney Ronald Bostwick, attempted to discredit the prosecution’s case.

On December 16, 2024, Justice Kissoon reviewed the evidence for the jury, which deliberated before returning a verdict. La Rose’s sentencing will take into account probation and prison reports, a victim impact statement, and other relevant factors, including both mitigating and aggravating circumstances.
As a resident of Maria Henrietta, Upper Berbice River, La Rose now faces the possibility of significant prison time during which he will undergo rehabilitation.