The man accused of murdering 28-year-old Martin Daniels at Wanakai, North West District was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Priya Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Morris Roberts

It is alleged that on August 16 at Wanakai, North West District; Essequibo, Morris Roberts murdered Martin Daniels.
The defendant was not required to plead to the indictable charge of murder when it was read to him by the Magistrate.
In presenting the facts of the case, Police Prosecutor Munilall Seetaram told the court that on the day in question, the accused and Daniels were drinking and conversing with other persons when a heated argument ensued between the defendant and Daniels.

According to Seetaram, during the argument the defendant armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt Daniels several blows to his head. He fell to the ground and was rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The unrepresented Roberts was remanded to prison. His matter was transferred to the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court for November 17.
According to initial reports reaching Stabroek News, Roberts had a long-standing grievance with Daniels which may have resulted in the incident.

Police said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 3 am.
Before his demise, the police said, Daniels, together with the suspect and
others had completed  self-help work  at about 6 pm on Saturday “and were imbibing  when the suspect as a result of an old grievance dealt Daniels a blow to the head with a piece of wood and fled”.
After being a fugitive for about four days, Roberts turned himself into the police on August 20.