Businessman accused of killing cousin with arrow

David Smith, a 31-year-old businessman, was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan Tuesday for allegedly killing his cousin with an arrow.

Smith of Batavia Island, Cuyuni River, was not required to plea to the charge, which stated that on March 22, 2019, at Blackwater Island Backdam, Cuyuni River, he murdered Dave Boyal, 19.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that Smith is the owner of the mining camp where Boyal was employed.

The court heard that the day in question at around 22:00hrs, Smith was under the influence of alcohol when he cut down the hammocks in which Boyal and other miners were in.

It is alleged that Boyal tried to stop Smith when he was attacked and stabbed in his right abdomen with an arrow.  Boyal was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Chief Magistrate transferred the matter to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for April 10, 2019.