Duo charged with murder of Bourda vendor

Two men were yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of Bourda Market vendor Troy Ramalho, who was gunned down by robbers.

It is alleged that Akeem Morris, 20, of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, and George Paton, 34 of Eccles Park, East Bank Demerara, on August 15th at Robb Street, Bourda, in the course or furtherance of a robbery, murdered Ramalho.

They were not required to offer a plea to the indictable charge, which was read to them in a Georgetown court.

Morris’ attorney told the court that his client has an alibi and that he has no previous or pending matters before any court.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that the police file is incomplete.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan adjourned the matter until September 21st and remanded both men to prison.

Ramalho, 45, was shot once in his chest after reportedly resisting three men who attempted to rob him of his jewellery.

Ramalho was plying his trade when three men appeared on foot from an eastern direction. The bandits demanded that he hand over the jewellery, while one of them shot him.

An initial police report indicated that the gunman, according to a witness, discharged a round at the victim who fell instantly. His accomplices then relieved the man of his jewellery and quickly fled the scene.

He was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.