A medical laboratory technician, who is accused of setting the home of popular Disc Jockey (DJ), Dorrel Romeo called ‘DJ Magnum’on fire, was yesterday charged with the crime and released on her own recognisance.
Latanya Pearce, 23, of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, pleaded not guilty to the charge when she appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.
The charge stated that on February 19 at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, she set fire to the building belonging to Romeo.
Romeo, who was present during the hearing, indicated to the court that he has no interest in pursuing the matter. As a result, Pearce was placed on her own recognisance and the case was adjourned until March 10.
A second suspect, who was also detained over the weekend, remains in police custody and is yet to be charged.
Around 11.30 pm on February 19, a fire engulfed Romeo’s wooden house at Lot 238 Good Intent.
Residents in the area had recalled seeing two women fleeing the scene. At the time, Romeo, who was the lone occupant of the house, was not at home.
Reports had revealed that Romeo secured his home before leaving. Hours later, he received a call informing him of the fire. By time he arrived at the scene, the house was already destroyed. Romeo did not manage to save anything.
An investigation into the fire revealed that it was deliberately set.
