Two plead not guilty to 2017 murder of businessman

Two men on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the 2017 murder of 58-year-old businessman Fazal Shaheed, who was shot during an armed robbery at Freeman Street, East La Penitence.

Shawn DaSantos and Stephen Howard, both former residents of Freeman Street, were arraigned before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court.

The duo denied that on September 24, 2017, they murdered Shaheed during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

The State was represented by prosecutor Cicelia Corbin while the men were represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Konyo Sandiford and associates.

The trial commenced before a 12-member jury.

Fazal Shaheed, a father of one, was shot approximately three times to his abdomen and once in the region of his lungs. His brothers, Abdul Talim Shaheed and Shalim Shaheed were also injured during the attack at their Lot 194 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown home.

At the time of the incident, the family was preparing for a memorial service in observance of their father’s one-year death anniversary.

According to the family, Talim of Toronto, Canada was shot once and Shalim of the United States was shot approximately three times. Fazal resided at Albion, Corentyne and was self-employed.