Man who appealed 2015 conviction now confesses to 2013 Mash Day murder

Devon Thomas on Monday admitted to the brutal killing of Enterprise businessman, Kumar Mohabir on Mashramani Day, February 23, 2013.

Thomas was arraigned before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder.

He pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, which alleged that on February 23, 2013, he unlawfully killed Mohabir, 25, called ‘Duksy’ and ‘Fire Link.’

He was represented by Attorney Surihya Sabsook, while the State was represented by Prosecutor Sarah Martin.

Justice Barlow deferred sentencing until November 11 when a probation report is expected to be presented in court.

On July 12, 2021, Thomas and former co-accused Randy Isaacs were on trial for the capital offence before Justice Sandil Kissoon. However, Isaacs was acquitted of the charge while Thomas was ordered to face a new trial.

On February 23, 2013, Mohabir, 25, called ‘Duksy’ and ‘Fire Link’ was brutally stabbed by a drunken mob on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, during the Mashramani celebrations.

He was attacked after he went to the location to collect a tent he rented from his neighbours for the Mashramani Day celebrations; he was stabbed by a group of intoxicated persons, armed with broken bottles.

His brother, Navindra Mohabir, was also attacked when he tried to intervene. Kumar Mohabir died while receiving treatment at the Woodlands Hospital.

Police investigations led to the two accused being arrested and charged with murder.

In 2015, the men were sentenced to 75 years imprisonment each by High Court Judge, Navindra Singh, with the possibility of parole after serving at least 40 years.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the High Court, the duo had mounted an appeal against their conviction and sentence, claiming several errors in law were made by the trial judge.

The appeal court had set aside the men’s conviction and sentence and ordered a retrial.