GREGORY Miguel pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when he was arraigned before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh in the High Court at Georgetown.

Miguel was indicted for the offence of murder but, upon arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty to that charge and instead pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

The case is being prosecuted by State Counsel Christopher Belfield, who is leading the prosecution, assisted by State Counsel Praneta Seeraj and Geneva Wills.

Representing the convict is attorney-at-law Madan Kissoon.

Before accepting the plea, Chief Justice Singh conducted a detailed inquiry to ensure that Miguel’s decision was voluntary, informed, and made with full understanding of its consequences.

The judge first asked whether Miguel had discussed his plea with his attorney and whether he understood that he was facing a potential starting sentence of 24 years’ imprisonment.

Miguel responded that he had spoken with his lawyer and understood the implications of his decision.

Chief Justice Singh then asked, “Are you being forced to plead guilty, or are you doing so because you want to plead guilty?”

To this, Miguel replied, “Your Worship, I’m pleading guilty off my own,” indicating that his plea was entirely voluntary.

The judge further questioned whether Miguel had taken any drugs, medication, or alcohol within the past 48 hours that could impair his understanding of the proceedings.

Miguel answered in the negative.

Justice Singh reminded the accused that he was entitled to a trial before a 12-member jury and that by entering a guilty plea, he was waiving that right.

Miguel confirmed that he understood the nature and consequences of his plea and that he was pleading guilty to an offence that carries a term of imprisonment.

After reviewing the agreed facts presented by the prosecution, Chief Justice Singh observed that the elements of the offence of manslaughter had been established on the record.

As such, he accepted Miguel’s guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The Chief Justice then directed that a number of reports be prepared prior to sentencing.

These include a probation report, a prison conduct report, a victim impact statement and an assessment of aggravating and mitigating factors.

The matter has been adjourned to November 19 at 10:00 hours, when sentencing is expected to be handed down following the court’s consideration of the reports and any final submissions from the prosecution and defence.

Until then, Miguel remains in custody.

AGREED FACTS

A family gathering in Kumu Village, Central Rupununi, turned deadly on July 31, 2023, when 20-year-old Miguel fatally stabbed his brother, Wilfred Stephen, with a steel-point arrow during an argument.

Court documents stated that the brothers, who had not spoken for months, were drinking alcohol with relatives at their uncle’s home when a fight broke out around 21:00 hours.

The quarrel ended but later reignited at their mother’s residence, where Stephen had gone to collect food.

While there, Stephen intervened after his stepfather attacked his mother. Miguel then confronted Stephen, and another fight ensued.

Their mother separated them, but Miguel ran into a nearby house about 10 feet away, grabbed an arrow, and chased after Stephen.

Stephen fell to the ground, and as he tried to get up, Miguel stabbed him in the right side of his back before escaping on foot.
Stephen remained alive for about an hour before succumbing to his injuries.

Because the family lacked resources, no immediate medical or police help was sought. Police arrived around 2:00 hours on August 1, 2023, and took the body to the Lethem Regional Hospital.

Miguel was arrested the following day at his home. In a video interview under caution on August 4, 2023, he admitted to stabbing his brother but claimed he was under the influence of alcohol and did not intend to commit a crime.

A post-mortem examination showed that the arrow penetrated Stephen’s chest cavity below the right shoulder, severing his right pulmonary artery and vein and causing massive bleeding and shock, which resulted in his death.

Miguel was later charged with murder contrary to common law and, on May 3, 2024, was committed to stand trial after a prima facie case was established against him at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.