Businessman admits to killing cousin with arrow

A 33-year-old businessman has pleaded guilty to killing his 19-year-old cousin with an arrow during a scuffle at Blackwater Island Backdam, Cuyuni River on March 22, 2019.

David Smith, formerly of Batavia Island, Cuyuni River, was arraigned before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Suddie High Court for the capital offence of murder.

However, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter on the charge that he killed Boyal during a scuffle. Sentencing was deferred until Friday, December 17.

The state is represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken.

According to reports, Smith was the owner of the mining camp where Boyal was employed. On 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.