Businessman pleads not guilty to murder of boy, 17

Businessman Junior France known as ‘Bora’ on Monday pleaded not guilty to the murder of 17-year-old gold miner, Dane Jerrick, who was fatally shot at Puruni Landing, Mazaruni River two years ago.

France, formerly of Tabatinga, Lethem in Region Nine, was arraigned before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Essequibo High Court and denied the capital offence which occurred on May 17, 2020, in the county of Essequibo.

He was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels while the State was represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken.

A jury was empanelled and the hearing will commence on March 3, 2022.

According to reports, on the day in question, Jerrick was shot in his lower back allegedly by France, who is a licensed firearm holder.

France reportedly told police that Jerrick was lingering in front of his shop, which is located at Puruni Landing.

As a result, he discharged several rounds in Jerrick’s direction and one of the bullets struck him. France was arrested and his firearm was also lodged.