Georgetown: Former Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Captain, Orwain Sandy was on Tuesday sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter for the shooting death of his reputed wife.
Sandy was charged in April 2018 for the murder which took place along a street in Alexander Village, Georgetown during an argument with his reputed wife.
He pulled out his gun and fired repeatedly into the woman’s body, ending with a shot to her head.
He casually hopped into his car and drove to a nearby Police station where he informed them of his crime and surrendered the gun while turning himself in.
The gunning down of the woman brought a tragic end to the couple’s rocky relationship. Payne had complained to friends about her husband’s violent streak and his growing abuse towards her.
Reona Payne was a well known travel agent who had been previously married. The two were involved in their relationship for just over five years.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon. Following his emotional plea to the Court for leniency, the State Prosecutor reminded the Judge that Sandy shot his wife, Reona Payne, fourteen times to her body including once to the head.
Prosecutor Lisa Cave told the Judge the sentence ought to match the heartlessness and gravity of the crime against the 31-year-old woman.
Justice Kissoon agreed and handed down the maximum sentence for the manslaughter charge.
The Judge noted that the former GDF Captain as a military officer who was also the Special Assistant to the then Chief of Staff should have known better and should have had better control over his actions.
Sandy was initially charged for murder and committed to stand trial for murder. However, when the matter was called up for trial last week, his Attorneys indicated that he has decided to enter a guilty plea to the lesser count of manslaughter.
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