‘Deportee’ pleads not guilty to 2016 murder of Parika businessman

Fifty-two-year-old Curt Thomas on Monday pleaded not guilty to the murder of 52-year-old Parika businessman Seeram Singh, who was killed during a robbery in 2016.

Thomas called Deportee, and formerly of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court where he denied that he murdered Singh on April 30, 2016, at Parika Outfall.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Lyndon Amsterdam while the State is being represented by Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy and Tyra Bakker.

The hearing commenced Monday morning before a 12-member jury. A total of 14 witnesses are expected to testify during the duration of the trial.

According to reports, on April 30, 2016 at about 21:00h, Singh was walking along the roadway at Parika Outfall when a man came up from behind and shot him in the back.

After the businessman fell, the shooter reportedly stood over him and shot him to his chest and head before taking away with two of his gold chains.

A .32 live round and a bullet casing of similar calibre were found at the scene. The businessman’s wallet, cellphone and gold rings were not taken.

Four days after the murder, Police arrested Thomas, who was positively identified during an identification parade.

It was noted that gunpowder residue was found after a swab test was done on his hands. Checks at his home also discovered incriminating evidence.