On the run for 21 years, man nabbed for murder of wife

Twenty-one years ago on September 5, 1998, Viola Thomas, a 23-year-old North West District woman was stabbed several times about her body while she was at a Fun Day by her reputed husband, Philbert Thomas.

The incident occurred at Cabacalli, Santa Rosa, North West District, Police Headquarters said.

Thomas went into hiding and was never brought to justice for the horrific murder.

But on August 26, Thomas was finally taken into custody after the woman’s mother recognized him in the media following reports that he was remanded on August 21 for two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend and her new partner.

Police Headquarters revealed that the charge was reported in local newspapers with the man’s photograph under the name Gilbert Thomas, however, Viola’s mother, Alina Thomas recognized him as the man wanted for her daughter’s murder and made a report to the Aquero Police Station.

According to the Police, Thomas was positively identified by Alina and subsequently confessed to the murder of Viola.

A court order was subsequently filed and the suspect will appear before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 2, 2019.

Police Headquarters, however, explained that Thomas was initially charged with the murder in absentia and the case was heard at the Aquero Magistrate’s Court in Region One where several witnesses testified against him.

Eight years later, the matter was recalled at the same court and was adjourned with no appointed date for resumption.