Prosecution closes case in Aranka murder trial

The prosecution yesterday closed its case against Mark Thompson, who is accused of murdering Brazilian miner Jose Rodriguez De Oliveira over six years ago.

The allegation against Thompson is that on August 7, 2010, he murdered De Oliveira at Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River, Essequibo Coast.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Testifying before the close of the prosecution’s case was former Police Sergeant Wilfred Murray, who recalled being on duty on the day in question and receiving certain information.

Murray, who was attached to the Bartica Police Station, said that as a result of the information he received, he and corporals Lowe and Alfred travelled to Aranka Backdam. Upon arrival, the witness