A Black Bush Polder, Corentyne man was yesterday found guilty of manslaughter in the High Court at Berbice.
Navendra Basdeo, also known as “Pone”, 24, of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, on a charge of murder committed against Karran Sukhdeo, also known as “Vishal”, 30, also of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, on August 23, 2014.
However, yesterday, a mixed jury found Basdeo, who is being represented by attorney Mursaline Bacchus, guilty of manslaughter. He will return to the High Court on June 4 for sentencing.
The state was represented by attorney Mandel Moore.
According to a post-mortem examination, Basdeo died as a result of two stab wounds to his heart. In addition, other parts of his body had incised stab wounds, resulting in shock and haemorrhage.
It is alleged that Sukhdeo and the accused were at a wedding house in their village when a fight ensued. Persons reportedly parted the men, however, the deceased’s body was later discovered in the corner of a drain in the area where the fight began.
The accused, who has denied the murder allegation since being arrested, maintained his position during the trial.
In his statement, he had said that he was at the wedding house when Sukhdeo, who was armed, approached him and dragged him onto the road. He alleged that Sukhdeo then further attacked him.
The accused had sustained injuries to his head. He also claimed that at no point was he armed.
