Now that it is confirmed that the skeletal remains are indeed his, the authorities have substantial evidence to embark on the process to have the two prime suspects in the murder of Police Constable, Quincy Lewis to be extradited from the United States (US) so they can face criminal charges here.
And while the request has not yet been made, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, told the News Room on Thursday that it will be made soon.
“Not just yet as far as I am aware, but the request will be made,” Benn said when asked for an update on the matter at the sidelines of an event.
In fact, Benn said just on Thursday morning, he was engaged in discussions for extraditions in two cases. He did not want to divulge whether Constable Lewis’ murder case was part of those discussions.
There is a treaty office at the Ministry of Home Affairs that handles extraditions.
Naqeeba Zahid Zafarali, a woman with whom Lewis was having an affair, and her husband, 56-year-old Thakurdial Samaroo are wanted by local police for questioning in relation to the murder of Constable Lewis.
They were implicated as prime suspects in the crime during the early stage of the investigation and a wanted bulletin was issued for them recently.
They are suspected to be in the US, resulting in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) later issuing notices for them.
But to get them back here, local authorities have to approach the US through the legal process, which in this, case would be though extradition requests.
After hours of searching, Lewis’ skeletal remains were discovered on April 19, 2023, at Madewini Sandpit area, on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
A warhead was also recovered, confirming reports that he was shot to death and a DNA test conducted overseas confirmed the remains are his.
The Cold Case Unit and ranks of the Major Crimes Unit cracked the case following the arrest of two men, Shafeek Vernon called “Profit”, 25 of Lot 1 Ogle, East Coast Demerara and Jamel Van Lewis, 35 of Lot 29 Durban Street, Georgetown.
While in custody, Vernon and Lewis had told detectives that the Police Constable was shot by Samaroo.
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 had 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.
