The police investigation into the nearly one-month-old accident along the Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara, which claimed the life of seven-year-old Ciarra Benjamin, remains incomplete, and police are still awaiting a statement from the child’s babysitter.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that the police have not yet been able to obtain a statement from the child’s aunt and babysitter, Simone Barry, who she was in the company of at the time of the accident. Information reaching this newspaper indicates that Barry is still traumatised and is currently receiving counselling. In the meantime, arrangements are being made to obtain a statement from her through an attorney.
Benjamin, a Grade One student of the Canadian School of Arts and Science, died immediately after she was struck by the truck around 4 pm on June 1.
Benjamin, this newspaper had reported, was attempting to cross the Agricola Public Road in the company of Barry, when she was struck by the truck, which bore licence plate GWW 962.
According to some bystanders, the pair were standing on the median when the truck, which was travelling at a fast rate along the western carriageway of the road, swerved to avoid a car and hit Benjamin.
Others, however, suggested that the child had stepped onto the road but quickly ran back to the median after she saw the truck.
Following her death, some residents of the area launched an attack on the truck driver, Damion Leary Welcome and the vehicle was later set on fire.
Welcome sustained a fractured skull and severe injuries to his arm, back and neck, which were reportedly inflicted by vigilantes.
Stabroek News was previously informed that three persons who assaulted Welcome were identified. However, to date no arrest has been made.
Welcome was released on station bail during last week after his 72-hours detention period expired.
Following the attack, Commissioner of Police Leslie James has urged citizens to refrain from vigilante acts. He said that all aspects of the case— that is the accident resulting in the death of Benjamin, the assault of the driver and the alleged arson of the truck— are being investigated.
At the end of the investigation, James noted that those found culpable will be brought before the courts and charged.
