Man confesses to killing former Top Cop’s brother

A 21-year-old man on Thursday confessed to the 2017 killing of Hemant Persaud, the brother of former Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who was fatally stabbed during a robbery at Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

Though now an adult, because he was charged as a juvenile in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act, the accused identity is protected.

He was arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court for the capital offence of murder.

However, he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and admitted that on February 19, 2017, he unlawfully killed 51-year-old Persaud, called of Affiance Village, Essequibo Coast.

The court heard that the defendant was 15 at the time.

He is represented by attorney Alaira Murphy-Goodman while the state is represented by prosecutor Muntaz Ali.

Prosecutor Ali told the court that on the day in question the victim was at Stabroek Market when the accused walked up to him and snatched his gold chain.

The victim fought back and was stabbed in his chest by the accused, who was armed with a knife.

The teen fled the crime scene and boarded a Route 48 minibus.

He was later arrested in Sophia during a house-to-house search by the police.

During his address to the court, the young man said, “I was young and lacked guidance both physically and spiritually…”

The confessed killer added that he is currently enrolled in several courses offered by the Prison and is continuing his education.

Justice Kissoon deferred sentencing until September 26 and ordered that a probation report be prepared for the defendant.

He will also have to undergo a psychological evaluation.