Ex-cop freed of murder charge against Ryan Sergeant

Thirty-six-year-old Lloyd Roberts known as ‘Robbie’ was on Friday, November 17, 2017, discharged from the murder of Ryan Sergeant, the 19-year-old who was shot dead in front of the Rio Night Club in Queenstown, Georgetown on September 26, 2016.

The trial into the matter concluded before Magistrate Judy Latchman, who ruled that there was insufficient evidence to link Roberts, a former policeman, to the crime. The Magistrate in her ruling further added that the video evidence submitted to the court by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves did not show Roberts as the shooter.

Robert’s attorney, Latchmie Rahamat maintained during the trial that there was no evidence linking her client to the murder. The teenager was shot and killed during a brawl between some young men outside the nightclub.

The brawl is said to have initially started inside the establishment and security officials intervened and escorted the men outside the club to prevent them from disturbing other patrons.

Prior to being slapped with this murder charge, Roberts was previously charged and remanded for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Roberts and two others were allegedly busted at a house in John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, in January 2017 after police officers raided the home and found the items.

During the raid, the ranks discovered two weapons – an AK-47 rifle and a 9mm pistol – 80 live rounds of ammunition and several cellular phones. Roberts pleaded not guilty to that charge and has been on remand since. This matter is currently ongoing before City Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Meanwhile, in 2010, Roberts was freed by a City Magistrate for the murders of Romeo DeAgrella and his son, Clint DeAgrella, who died in March 2007 at Iron Punt, North West District from multiple gunshot wounds.