Crime scene photos tendered in preliminary trial of accused in Sophia woman’s murder

A police crime scene photographer yesterday testified in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder charge against Cleavaughn Hamilton and Ranachal Singh, the two men accused of murdering Sophia resident Simone Hackett.

The PI continued yesterday in the courtroom of Sparendaam magistrate Alicia George, who heard the testimony of police crime scene photographer Corporal Patrick Benjamin.

Additionally, fourteen pictures were later tendered into evidence.

Simone Hackett
Cleavaughn Hamilton

Hackett’s aunt, Shelly Green, also testified at the hearing as well as Police Inspector Devon Lowe. The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 13.

Hamilton, 30, of Mahaica, who was Hackett’s former partner, and taxi driver Singh, 31, of Good Hope, were alleged to have committed the murder between April 16 and April 19, 2016, at Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Ranachal Singh

On April 16, 2016, Hackett had left her Sophia home to pick up a package that she was told was sent for her son, who was celebrating his birthday the following day.

However, Hackett never returned home. On April 19, two schoolboys found her body in a trench between Third and Fourth streets, Cummings Lodge.