Two men were on Monday remanded to prison after they were charged with the murder of Police Constable Quincy Lewis, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a shallow grave last week, close to three years after he went missing.
Shafeek Vernon called “Profit”, 25 of Lot 1 Ogle, East Coast Demerara and Jamel Van Lewis, 35 of Lot 29 Durban Street, Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court via Zoom.
They were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between 18 June, 2020 and 18 June, 2021 at Providence, East Bank Demerara, they murdered Lewis.
The duo was charged jointly with the prime suspects of the crime: 56-year-old Thakurdial Samaroo and 33-year-old Naqeeba Zahid Zafarali, who are yet to be apprehended.
Last Thursday, the Police had issued wanted bulletin for the couple, who fled the jurisdiction.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had said all legal avenues will be pursued to extradite the couple to face charges here.
When the matter was called on Monday, the Magistrate issued arrest warrants for the couple.
The prosecutor also informed the court that the investigation is ongoing.
The case was adjourned to May 24.
After hours of searching, Lewis’ skeletal remains were discovered on April 19 at Madewini Sandpit area, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
A warhead was also recovered, confirming reports that he was shot to death.
The Cold Case Unit and ranks of the Major Crimes Unit made a breakthrough in the investigation following the arrest of two men.
While in custody, Vernon and Lewis had told detectives that the Police Constable was shot by Samaroo for having an affair with Zafarali.
Sources told the News Room that Lewis was bound and gagged by his killer/s before he was buried in a shallow grave and six plastic straps were found on the body. It also appeared as though his head was placed in a plastic bag.
Police last Friday disclosed that they are pursuing a known character who allegedly took possession of the car he was driving after he was shot and killed.
The car, PTT 7541, belonged to a friend of Lewis and his family only knew he was missing four days after when the friend showed up to collect the car.
Lewis was attached to the Agricola Police Station on the East Bank of Demerara and left his home on June 19, 2020, for work but he never showed up.
