Devendra Persaud, the inmate who is accused of fatally beating another while in custody at the Lusignan Prison more than a week ago was yesterday charged with the crime and remanded to prison.
Persaud called ‘Fish teeth,’ 31, of Unity Backdam, Mahaica appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.
He was charged with the murder of Lyttle, called ‘Tuff Chest,’ 23, a labourer of Lot 1 Stewartville, West Coast Demerara.
Persaud was not required to plead to the indictable offence.
The matter was adjourned to July 8 when it will be called again at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.
Stabroek News was told that Persaud was charged based on legal advice obtained from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Lyttle succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) last Wednesday morning, less than a day after he was assaulted by a fellow inmate at the Lusignan Prison.
Director of Prisons (ag) Gladwin Samuels had said the incident occurred at 2 pm last Tuesday in Holding Bay 4 of the Lusignan Prison.
Lyttle succumbed at 10.30 am on the following day.
An autopsy later revealed that he died as a result of multiple blunt trauma to the head.
Samuels had said Lyttle was “struck with an object” by a fellow inmate.
He was referred from the prison infirmary to the GPH.
Stabroek News understands that Lyttle and the suspect had an ongoing feud stemming from Lyttle bullying him and other inmates.
On the day of the incident, Lyttle was in a hammock, when the suspect allegedly attacked him and dealt him several lashes to his head before he was restrained by prison officers.
The suspected murder weapon, a piece of wood, was recovered.
Lyttle was admitted to prison exactly one week prior to the incident on a break and enter and larceny charge.
