Youth cleared of murder charge after 3 years on remand

Twenty – three – year old Kevin Garraway on Tuesday walked out of the High Court a free man after spending three years on remand for the murder of 28-year-old Orrett West of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.

Garraway of Calendar Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was on trial before Justice Navindra Singh; the 12-member jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict.

The indictment against Garraway detailed that on June 3, 2016, at Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, he stabbed the victim to his neck and chest with a knife during an altercation.

The trial commenced and ended Tuesday after six witnesses testified.

Justice Singh in his summation instructed the jury that there is no evidence that Garraway was the aggressor and based on his statement, he acted in self-defence.

Justice Singh also stated that the Prosecution failed to prove its case and urged the jury to return a not guilty verdict.

Garraway was urged by Justice Singh to “stay clear from similar situations” and to be grateful for a second chance.

In court, Garraway’s family rejoiced as he exited the courtroom smiling.

On the day in question, Garraway had a misunderstanding with the victim’s girlfriend; West intervened and assaulted Garraway which led to the fatal stabbing.

Garraway was represented by Attorney-at-law, Maxwell McKay while prosecutors Teriq Mohammed, Abigail Gibbs and Tuanna Hardy represented the State.