A week shy of a month since Quindon Bacchus was shot and killed during an alleged undercover police operation, the cop who pulled the trigger will be charged with murder.
Lance Corporal Kristoff De Nobrega remains under open arrest at the headquarters of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) and remains confined under police guard.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, on Monday, announced that she received the report and the file from the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority Justice (ret’d) William Ramlall on Sunday evening and it was recommended that De Nobrega is charged with the offence of murder.
“The DPP has since advised the police to proceed with the institution of this charge,” the release noted.
Advice has also been given for two other policemen, Lance Corporal Thurston Simon and Sergeant Dameion McLennon to be charged with the following offences:
- Lance Corporal Thurston Simon is to be charged with the offence of Attempt to obstruct the course of justice, Contrary to Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
- Lance Corporal Thurston Simon is to also be charged with the offence of Conduct prejudice to good order and discipline, Contrary to Section 4(z) of the Police (Discipline) Act, Chapter 17:01.
- Sergeant Dameion McLennon is to be charged with Attempt to obstruct the course of justice, Contrary to Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.
It should be noted that McLennon was only on Sunday promoted to the rank of Cadet Officer.
Bacchus, 23, was shot dead on June 10, 2022, at Haslington, East Coast Demerara; it is alleged that he was selling an illegal firearm to De Nobrega, during which shots were fired.
Last week, the East Coast corridor saw a violent and fiery protest after an inaccurate media report by a facetious online entity reported that De Nobrega was released from custody.
The violent protest led to vendors at the Mon Repos market being beaten and robbed.
According to the official police report on the shooting, ranks were carrying out an intelligence-led operation during which De Nobrega made arrangements to purchase a firearm from Bacchus who left and then returned with the firearm.
While handing over the firearm, an alarm was raised which resulted in Bacchus attempting to escape while reportedly shooting at ranks.
Police said De Nobrega returned fire and Bacchus was shot. The illegal firearm was later identified as a .380 pistol with a magazine that had one round.
The News Room understands that Bacchus, a father of one, was reportedly shot six times to the body and once to the head.
These men are being sacrificed because of politics. Lost in the whole story is what a good boy Bacchus was (read that with massive sarcasm).
The police report said Bacchus was selling guns. These are the same guns that will turn around and be used to rob people on the streets and invade homes of Guyanese, mostly Indians. I shed no tear for this Bacchus person.
Punk, that’s a made-up story. Bacchus dates DeNobrega’s ex-girlfriend. He wanted him dead. It will eventually come to light. Stay tune
I hope just as they punish the person that shot this guy. The justice department also punish those people that was robing and causing destruction at the market.