Georgetown: One week after a jury found 44-year-old Curt Thomas called “Yankee” guilty of killings a Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) businessman, on Wednesday he was sentenced to 70 years in prison before Justice Navindra Singh during a virtual hearing at the High Court.
Thomas, formerly of Hyde Park, Parika, EBE was accused of the April 30, 2016 murder of businessman Seeram Singh, who was shot to the head and hip during a robbery.
Thomas was represented by Attorney-at-Law Lyndon Amsterdam, while the State was represented by Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy.
Trial Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, after considering the background of the case, while placing weight that the crime was premeditated, sentenced Thomas to 70 years imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 40 years behind bars.
Following the hearing, Singh’s family expressed gratitude to the Court for ensuring that justice was served.
At the commencement of the trial, it was revealed that Thomas was positively identified during an identification parade. In fact, the Court heard that gunpowder residue was found after a swab test was done on his hands.
Despite this, the now convicted killer maintained that he was innocent of the crime. Last week when the verdict was being delivered, Thomas jumped out of his seat and hurled a series of expletives.
It was reported that Singh, 52, of Lot 40 Parika Outfall, was stabbed to his abdomen and shot to his head and hip.
Reports indicate that Singh was on his mobile phone when he was attacked. In an attempt to raise the alarm, the injured man ran towards a shop in the area, but the gunman gave chase and caught up with him. A scuffle ensued, and it was then that the gunman shot Singh.
Reports are as the businessman fell, the gunman relieved him of two gold chains and escaped. Singh was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, West Coast Demerara (WCD), where he was pronounced dead.
On May 4, 2016, Thomas was arrested at a Parika betting shop, and when placed on an identification parade, was allegedly identified as the shooter by an eyewitness.
A swab test done on Thomas’ hands reportedly tested positive for gunpowder residue. The police also carried out a search at his home, and found clothing which matched what eyewitnesses said the shooter was wearing.
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