Former Guyana Defence Force Captain Orwain Sandy was this morning committed to stand trial at the High Court in Georgetown for allegedly killing his reputed wife Reona Payne.
Payne was shot dead on March 31, last, at Alexander Village, Georgetown.
Sandy, who was the Special Assistant to the Chief-of-Staff, is facing a murder charge.
Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman conducted a preliminary inquiry into the offence.
After admitting a caution statement given by Sandy as evidence, Magistrate Latchman ruled that after reviewing the evidence entirely, a prima facie case (sufficient) evidence was made out against the alleged killer.
Consequently, she inquired from Sandy if he had anything to say in answer to the charge or if he wished to call witnesses. After seeking advice from his Attorney-at-Law James Bond, Sandy said that he would reserve his defence for the High Court. Sandy will go on trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara assizes.
Before the hearing concluded, the lawyer thanked the Magistrate for the efficient way in which the matter was dispensed. He also praised the Magistrate for the robust scheduling the matter received.
Police Corporal Shawn Gonsalves presented the case for the prosecution.
According to reports, the incident occurred between 10:15 hours and 10:45 hours near a Masjid.
Sources say that Sandy and Payne were in Payne’s Car when the two got into an argument during which Sandy whipped out his firearm and shot the woman several times, killing her instantly.
Sandy then drove himself to the Ruimveldt Police Station where he reported the matter to the police and was taken into custody. Payne was a mother of three; she worked as a Travel Agent at the Muneshwers Travel Service for a number of years. Payne and Sandy were not married, but were living together for about three years.
