ORPHEUS Johnson, also known as Anthony James, on trial for the alleged killing of Brendan Charles in August 2009, had his trial began with a voir dire (a trial within a trial) being conducted yesterday at the Demerara Assizes by Justice James Bovell-Drakes to determine whether a caution statement allegedly made to the police by the accused is admissible in evidence.

Particulars of the charge state that between August 7th and 8th, 2009, at Caneville, East Bank of Demerara, Johnson murdered Brendan Charles.
Miss Dhanika Singh is counsel for the prosecution, while Miss Latchmi Rahamat is defence counsel.