Albouystown man to face trial over fisherman’s murder

Shareef Bacchus, who was charged with fatally stabbing a fellow fisherman in July, was yesterday committed to stand trial for murder.

The charge against Bacchus, of Albouystown, stated that he murdered Chan Wen Wong on July 20, at Meadow Bank Wharf.

At the completion of the preliminary inquiry into the charge yesterday, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan told Bacchus that the court was of the opinion that a prima facie case was made out against him for murder, based on the evidence that was presented.

Bacchus was then asked if he wished to say anything but he declined.

Subsequently, Chief Magistrate McLennan told him that he was committed to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes. He will remain on remand until that time.

Shareef Bacchus

Police had reported that Chan Wen Wong, 42, of 14 Seaforth Street, Campbell-ville and the defendant had an altercation, which resulted in a fight. They said the two were parted by onlookers and the victim walked away, only to be pursued by the suspect, who allegedly whipped out a sharp object and stabbed the victim in the chest and fled the scene.

Wong was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.