Murder suspect Troy Anthony Thomas, who fled the United States of America after an arrest warrant was issued for him for the offence of murder, was taken before the courts yesterday afternoon, where his extradition hearing is set to commence.
Thomas, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York, U.S.A, who allegedly murdered Keith Frank on December 11, 2011, was apprehended by ranks of the Guyana Police Force during an intelligence-led operation which began on January 31, 2018.
The accused was arrested yesterday morning at a location in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.
During his court appearance before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, an attorney who represented the interest of the United States, informed the court that an arrest warrant was granted in the USA for the accused in relation to murder, in January. The arrest of the accused yesterday, she noted, was in pursuance of the warrant.
The representative went on to say that when he was first apprehended the accused gave his name as Marvin Williams, only later acknowledging his correct name sometime after.
Thomas, 31, acknowledged that he had received a copy of the charge against him as was indicated by the attorney earlier, and that he had also signed same.
The representative went on to object to the accused being granted bail, stating that he is a flight risk. She noted that checks were made with the Guyana Elections Commission, which indicated that the accused was registered in 2016, and had provided 242 Gordon Street, Kitty as his address. A check, however, revealed that there is only an abandoned house at that address.
It was further indicated that checks made with the Central Immigration Authority revealed that there was no record of the accused having entered Guyana.
Additionally, the court heard that the prosecution was prepared to have statements filed next Tuesday and commence proceedings as early as next Friday.
When granted the opportunity to speak, Thomas stated that he was never charged for anything and requested that he be granted the opportunity to obtain legal representation so that he can have a fair chance.
The accused was subsequently remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to March 20.
The police in a statement also said that make-up artiste and Social Media personality Lolita Callendar c/d “Lola” of East Ruimveldt, who police wanted for threatening behaviour and who is suspected to have harboured the fugitive, has been arrested and is assisting with the investigation.
