Fazal Mohamed, who admitted to killing a seven-year-old boy, was sentenced on Monday to 22 years in jail for the crime.
Mohamed, 22, called ‘Mongoose,’ of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was sentenced by Justice Brassington Reynolds in the High Court sitting in Berbice.
Although Mohamed was indicted for murder, he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He admitted that he killed Saheed Muknauth, 7, of Number 68 Village Squatting Area, whom he said he hit with a piece of wood.
In a mitigation plea, attorney Raymond Ali said Mohamed took full responsibility for his actions. He condemned the killing and noted that his client had expressed great remorse, hence his plea.
A probation report, presented by Voonashewarie Gopaul, senior probation and social services officer, stated that Mohamed seemed to lack proper care and guidance in the early stages of his life.
State Prosecutor Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, during her closing remarks, asked the court to send a strong and clear message of condemnation of the depraved and horrific act.
The child is believed to have been murdered sometime between August 20 and August 22, 2012. His body was found behind a rice mill in Number 68 Village. His face was damaged and there were cuts about his body.
During investigations, Mohamed had reportedly confessed to the crime and his statement was admitted into evidence during the trial.
