Stepson, friend admit to killing estate worker

Roopnarine Persaud called “Helicopter” and Deonarine Lakhan called “Pascal” on Wednesday pleaded guilty to killing 39-year-old estate worker Kawal Shivnauth during a drinking spree in 2017.

The duo was arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Georgetown High Court for the capital offence of murder.

However, the pair opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter which read that they unlawfully killed Shivnauth on January 9, 2017, at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

The Judge deferred sentencing until September 8 and ordered that a probation report be prepared for the duo.

Persaud was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Smartt while Lakhan was represented by attorney Teriq Mohammed.

According to the facts presented by State prosecutor Muntaz Ali, Lakhan is Shivnauth’s stepson.

On the day in question, the duo along with Shivnuth were consuming alcohol at a rum shop in Anna Catherina.

Ali told the court that an argument ensued between Shivnauth and Persaud. Persaud armed himself with a knife and chopped Shivnauth.

The injured man picked up a beer bottle to defend himself, but Lakhan took it away and used it against him.

Persaud then stabbed Shivnauth several times with the knife.

Shivnauth was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

His attackers made good of their escape but were later arrested by the police.