Kevin Garraway, who police said had confessed to murdering Plaisance mechanic, 28-year-old Orette West, was this morning found not guilty of the crime after the judge deemed his actions to be in self-defence and said the prosecution failed to prove the offence.
Garraway, 23, was accused of the June 3, 2016 murder of West which occurred at a popular liming spot in Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
According to reports, Garraway and the girlfriend of the deceased had a misunderstanding during which the woman walked up to Garraway and inquired from him if he “wanted a problem”. A confrontation ensued and West, formerly of Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, reportedly walked up to Garraway and pushed him away.
A scuffle later ensued and Garraway, who was armed with a knife, allegedly stabbed West about the body, causing him to fall to the ground. The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
This morning, Garraway was brought before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown where his trial commenced. He pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. The state called a total of six witnesses including the sister, father, and brother of the deceased. Photographs were also tendered into evidence.
After the evidence of the prosecution’s witnesses, Justice Singh said that based on what Garraway told police in a caution statement which was tendered and admitted into evidence, his actions amounted to self-defence which is provided for under the laws of Guyana.
After considering the evidence led by the prosecution, Justice Singh underscored that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to prove the elements of the offence.
In this regard, the Judge directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict.
Lending a word of advice to Garraway, Justice Singh urged him to see the outcome as a second chance and to stay clear from similar situations.
Relatives and friends of Garraway who were seated in the courtroom rejoiced when Justice Singh informed him that he was free to go.
The former murder accused had spent almost three years on remand.
